"So very sorry to hear of Ken's untimely passing! He was such a sweet man who I had the pleasure of working with several years ago. He had a contagious outlook on life and I am grateful that I got to know him."
In loving memory of
Kenneth P. Soderlund
May 28, 1953 - November 24, 2023
Kenneth (Ken) Soderlund, 70, of Scottsville, NY, formerly of Jamestown, NY (entered into God's Kingdom on Friday November 24, 2023) at the Strong Trauma Center in Rochester, NY as a result of an automobile accident. He was born on May 28th, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ernest and Helen Soderlund.
Ken, the most loving and dedicated husband and father is survived by his devoted wife Martha (Marty) Isaacson Soderlund, and son, Jonathan who was the joy and pride of his life. On April 16th, 1977, Ken and Marty exchanged vows in a ceremony in St John, USVI. Their enduring love and partnership spanned 46 years, creating a foundation of strength and support for their family. The birth of their son, Jonathan, marked a new dimension of love for Ken that filled his heart with gratitude.
Ken pursued his education at Jamestown Community College, earning a degree in Registered Nursing. As a natural teacher and avid learner, this led him to develop programs for training staff in various settings. Previously, he had a fulfilling career as a licensed insurance broker which he returned to after retirement from nursing. Ken's professional journey was marked by dedication and compassion, traits that mirrored his approach to life. First and foremost, his love of God and study of the Bible was apparent to everyone he interacted with. Apart from his achievements in his professional life, Ken gained recognition for his enthusiasm and vibrant approach to life by founding a ministry named "Vital Ministries." His objective was to inspire others to discover their purpose by identifying their gifts and talents. As a dedicated educator, Ken took pleasure in sharing his extensive understanding of the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of everyone he came across, whether in a classroom setting or on a personal level.
His laughter and sense of humor were infectious, bringing joy to those fortunate enough to share in his company. Ken's love for his family and friends was unwavering, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
He is also mourned by his surviving siblings, John Soderlund and wife Brenda, Carl Soderlund, Lida Soderlund, and Sue Soderlund. Ken leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth in the hearts of his nephews Jason, Shane, and Robert, and nieces Shelby, Jill, Lindsay, and Kirsten. He is remembered fondly by his sisters-in-law, Ann (Albion) Sewer, and Katrina (Rob) Kuntz. Ken was a truly great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family and friends. He was truly a selfless man whose passing leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive and love will be forever ingrained in all he knew.
In honoring Ken's memory, his family requests friends and loved ones join them in celebrating his life. Calling hours will be at The Victory Church, 32 Wildbriar Rd, Henrietta, NY, Thursday November 30, visiting hours 3:00 to 6:00 with a service immediately following. It can also be viewed live using the following link: https://youtube.com/live/YLXpXdNQxnk. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Victory Church Youth Group at the above address OR "The Come and See Foundation" (www.comeandseefoundation.org)
Tributes
"KEN SODERLUND.... faithful man....his respect and sensitivity toward the mentally challenged was one of the first qualities that I noticed when I first began working for Jamestown's ARC grouphome back where Ken & Marty were house managers. Such devotion....Later, we reconnected as Ken & Marty consistently took my small family "under wing" over the years w/invitations to Biblical feasts, fantastic meals (¡Marty!) and "relief encounters".... This was when Ken would drive an hour from Rochester to calm teens and then get into his car and return to Rochester after huge family "dramas". Patience with the aged was a hallmark quality of Ken's as he patiently endured even Verizon cellphone sales---to then repeatedly teach the elderly(me) how to use all its bells & whistles. Selfless concern for those facing surgery or serious diagnoses--irregardless of how much personal time might be involved-- was consistently shown by Ken [and appreciated!] so many times, in so many circumstanes! We look forward to seeing you again Dearest brother!!! "
"Over the years Ken was in and out of my professional career at Lifetime Assistance, he was the quality control nurse and thus would oversee all aspects of the nursing we provided. Ken was a stickler for details, always striving for excellence. Then I had the pleasure of working directly with Ken when he became my supervising nurse at a Lifetime Assistance group home. I got to know him well and came to admire him as not only a nurse but as a person also. I greatly enjoyed our many deep and thoughtful discussions about religion. Though we never really saw eye to eye it was inspiring to hear him talk with his unwavering devotion to his lord. This is a great loss for everyone Ken touched throughout the years. I'm sure he is now with his lord as he knew he would be. "
"Marty, I was so saddened to hear the news of Ken's passing. I cried then and my eyes are filling up with tears now as I write. Some are sad tears, but there is a mixture of joyful tears as well, just knowing how Ken walked with and lived for the Lord! I have only known you and Ken for a little over a year, but we had many wonderful chats about Faith, Purpose, God's calling in our lives, etc. The stuff that matters most! The thing that stuck with me most when we hung up the phone from talking that 1st time is this, "That is a great man who sure loves Jesus!" The fact that it was so obvious to me, I can only imagine the countless lives that Ken impacted for the Kingdom! My heart breaks for you and the whole family from losing such an amazing man, too soon and suddenly. My heart also feels some joy by knowing Ken is now spending his time with our Lord & Savior! I KNOW Ken heard the words we all strive to hear, "Well done my good and faithful servant" Praying for you all to feel the peace and comfort that only the Lord can provide! Love in Christ & Until We Meet Again, Scott"
"This is a bittersweet loss of a friend who will always be remembered for the Godly attributes Ken emulated during his life as he walked with Yeshuah. He was kind, loving, gentle, patient, & in his profession he was always concerned about the welfare of those he cared for as a nurse. He was a great Father & Wonderful husband to his loving, devoted wife. Together they were always available to those who needed prayer & support in times of difficulty. The greatest attribute Ken displayed was that of a GENTLEMAN. We know Ken is @peace with his savior & experiencing the hope of meeting Jesus face to face in eternity & the words of our Master "well done, good & faithful servant." We love you, Ken & Marty. "
"Ken and Marty opened up their hearts and home to me when I needed it most. They were devout, steadfast friends and the same was true of their faith. I will never forget Ken. He and Marty touched my life more than they may realize. I learned so much from them. Just think of this, Heaven needed a hero, and Ken is a hero to so many. He?s with his maker, his ever loving Abba Father. He?ll be missed. Marty, you?re loved beyond belief and you have a HUGE support system, myself included. Love, Rebecca and Lily "
"It?s so very hard to ever find the right words to say how sad you feel when the ones you love & care so much for have to go thru a death but especially a tragic death. So today I?m choosing words of ? thankfulness!. Thankful for two of my best friends ( Marty since high school & Ken shortly after & get married !! Thankful for Kens Eternal life he has now started with the Lord , who he so loved. Thankful for all the life?s they touched , as a result of their union. Ken left his mark? of love, husband, father, brother, uncle & dearest friend to many & many people I?m sure he took wonderful care of in his RN career! Ken you left a mark of love on my heart ?? and my family forever! Our last words to each other a couple weeks ago at our get together we?re saying we loved each other! So so thankful & will hang on to that memory forever ???????????til we meet again "
"Marty has been a friend since childhood. A few weeks ago Ken & Marty hosted a get together in Jamestown. I had not seen Marty in decades it was so nice. I talked with Ken for ever as he told me of their journeys and love. I was so excited to rekindle a friendship and planned getting together after the holidays. When I heard of this horrific event I was so sad. I had made new-old friends and looked forward to getting together. Marty my heart breaks for you. What a loving caring husband your Ken was. I look forward to seeing him again. I?m here for you dear Marty love you Deb "