Robert Soukup

robert soukup
Robert (Bob) Soukup, age 69 of New Hampton, IA, lost his 12-year battle with cancer on December 27, 2012 at his Arizona home with his wife at his side. In honor of his wishes, his remains were cremated in Arizona. A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Private family inurnment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Rosonke, John Miller, Dave Nagle, Kit O'Donohoe, Tammy Robinson, Mike Leonard, Bill Straw, Dennis Olson and Keith Weigel. The Celebration of Bob's Life will continue at the Pinicon Restaurant following the Mass. Bob was born to Harry and Clara (Busta) Soukup on September 15, 1943 in New Hampton. He attended New Hampton Schools, graduating in 1961. He was a well-respected athlete, excelling in football, basketball and baseball. In 1964, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Viet Nam. It was determined by military doctors that his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during that service. He was first diagnosed in 2000 and fought hard for twelve years with the help of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Bob and Betty Leuenberger were married in 1968 by Father Carpenter in Fairbank, IA. They were blessed with three children: Hans Peter, Zachary Jon and Sybil Brooke. He worked various jobs in the New Hampton area until 1987 when he joined the staff of Congressman Dave Nagle. He then worked in Des Moines for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and this led to his appointment by President Clinton to be the Midwest Regional Director for the United States Department of Agriculture. Following Al Gore's defeat in 2000, Bob became the Economic Development Director for his beloved City of New Hampton. His devotion to his hometown is reflected through numerous city parks, the ice skating rink, baseball field and many successful businesses and industries. Two of his proudest accomplishments were securing federal dollars for the Highway 63 South expansion and seeing his tireless efforts lead to Progress Casting locating in New Hampton and employing 150 of his fellow citizens. Left to cherish Bob's memorable life are his wife Betty; daughter Sybil Soukup, Clear Lake; sons Hans (Peggy) Soukup, Eau Claire, WI; Zachary Soukup, St. Louis, MO; and three precious grandchildren who gave him enormous pleasure: Carson Soukup, Taylor Soukup, Brooke Soukup. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Bill Straw and nieces Christine Straw and Stephanie Maske. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Ruth (Soukup) Straw; Margaret (Soukup) Hoge; and numerous aunts and uncles. All memorial gifts will be directed to the New Hampton Baseball Complex; New Hampton Wrestling Team; and St. Joseph Community School.

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  1. Bob and his sisters , Margaret & Ruth grew up across the street from me in N.H. We had alot of fun talking about our childhood memories from time to time. He was a great leader for New Hampton and I know how important the city was to him. You are so lucky to have had him for as long as you did. We keep you all in our prayers. Duane & Pat Lynch

  2. We should not morn their dying but be thankful that they lived. Bob was one of the many consummatet, natural atheles that served to inspire a great many hopefuls of the Chickasaw Tribe. He kept his smile regardless. John W. Knight, Jr. Spamville, USA

  3. Dear Betty and family. My deepest sympathy in Bob’s passing. I was very fortunate to work with Bob at ASCS/FSA in DC and in the Iowa State Office. Bob was definitely a people person and admired by so very many in the agency! Hearing the name Bob Soukup just makes me smile. 🙂 He was and will remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know Bob. God Bless! Deb Krusemark

  4. My sincerest condolences to friends and family of this very fine man who I had the pleasure of working with at USDA Farm Service Agency. Sean O’Neill Washington, D.C.

  5. The Soukup family members were great neighbors to my family when we lived in New Hampton 1982-1985. My children became good friends with their’s and Bob and Betty were great people, wonderful friends and helpful neighbors. I always admired Bob’s positivity and sense of humor. Being a good Democrat also didn’t hurt. Lee Bonorden and Family

  6. Betty & Family, You have my condolences. I was very saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. I fondly remember Bob and the class person that he was. I had many visits with Bob after he got sick and admired his courage. His devotion to his family and friends and New Hampton was outstanding. Bob was a very special person and will be sadly missed. You are in our prayers. Dan Fliger

  7. Betty and Family, You have our heartfelt sympathy. Bob left quite a legacy, especially in all that he did for the community of New Hampton. It was good seeing many of your family in Clear Lake last summer. Take care now. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Ron and Cousin Becky

  8. Dear Betty and family. I enjoyed working with Bob on many projects for economic development in New Hampton. He was a good friend to me after I move here. I will miss the golf we played and his friendship. You have my heart felt sympathy and he will be missed.

  9. I worked with Bob when he was appointed by President Clinton to serve as the Midwest Area Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Latter he was appointed FSA State Executive Director (SED) for Iowa. In that position he became my supervisor and a close friend. It was during this time that he was first diagnosed with cancer. The cancer never slowed Bob down. He was an inspiration to employees and a true leader. His compassion for life and others will always be remembered. Bob made a difference and we will miss him.

  10. I will always fondly remember marching with Bob during a Memorial day parade when he was picked to lead….the old Marine in him had us Army people looking like new recruits as he tried to remember back to giving marching orders…..great laughs were had at the Legion Hall after that! I remember running into him in D.C. out if a sea of people many, many years ago. He will be greatly missed. Mary Arndt, Mason City

  11. Just over one year ago when Bob was staying at the nursing home, he was across the hall from our father/father-in-law Wilfred. very early one morning we received the surprising news that he had passed away in his sleep. Bob came over and spent time with us in his room which was very comforting. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you. Darryl and Diane Dietzenbach

  12. To the Soukup family……….you have my heart felt sympathies!! Bob was a great man!! I remember like it was yesterday all of the great times he made for alot of young men while he coached basketball at St. Joes. He was a great coach but more important he taught us all alot about life back then whether we realized it or not at that time!!! Rest in Peace Bob!!!! Dick Galligan

  13. Dear Betty and family, What a great fighter he was! You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Greg and Julie vulk

  14. Our deepest sympathy to the Soukup family in the loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is now in the arms of his loving Father! Lance and Jan Manson

  15. May you hold tight to all of the wonderful memories you have of your husband,dad, and grandpa! He was such a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all!! Take care and God bless each of you!! steve and shellie (galligan) boos

  16. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you and give you strength during this time of sorrow. Denny and Mary Jo Juel

  17. Cliff and I extend our sorrow to Bobs family and friends and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cliff and Marjorie Kolthoff

  18. Hans and family, My wife, family, and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. May Christ guide your father and may he rest in peace. Amen, hallelujah, and God bless. Sincerely, The McCann’s Eau Claire, WI

  19. Betty, Hans, Zach, and Sybil, Our sincerest sympathies to your family at these sad times from Todd, Troy, Trisha, Roger and Dianne. We moved to NH in 1970 and 1977. Our paths crossed with Bob many times. We remember him as a basketball coach at St. Joe’s. Roger has worked at the NH Park and Rec for the last 7 years. Bob was truly a big part of having the best park system in all of Iowa. In 2007 Bob was the MC at Relay for Life. The Gerleman family was the honorary care giver family and Diann the honorary survivor. He gave such a nice introduction. The Gansen family were also touched that year as Tom had been diagnosed that year. Bob walked the first honorary lap with Tom. Thank you, Bob, for your loving and caring ways. We will miss you, Bob. Roger and Dianne (Gansen) Gerleman

  20. Our deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. Bob did a wonderful job representing and serving New Hampton and Chickasaw County. He was a great Guy. I will forever miss the Tammy report!

  21. Betty and family, Bob is a special person who touched many lives and will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ken & Jeanine Douglas

  22. To Betty, Hans, Zachary and Sybil, When I heard of Bob’s passing, it struck a saddened, but very warm and personal chord in me. I knew I had to find a letter he wrote me while he was in the service. It was in response to my request for his thoughts on what it takes for an athlete to successfully compete at the high school level upon graduating from grade school. I was writing a school newspaper article and here are two key excerpts that I’ve always treasured. The letter was dated 3 Feb. 67. “Their success can depend a lot on how they conduct themselves. If they have a good attitude, work hard, and have the will and desire to make good, then they will make good.” “Another thing, Ed, and what I have to say pertains not only to sports, but to school work, conduct and discipline, and your social life. Work at practice as hard as you’d want your boys to work if you were the coach. Study as much as you’d want your students to study if you were the teacher. Conduct yourself as well in public as you’d want your boy to act if you were a parent. And last, always be a good Catholic, and set the example in anything you do.” Bob was a very good coach and mentor. He kept things fun and in perspective. He contributed much to the development of many. While we only occasionally ran into each other over the years, it was always nice to catch up and reminisce. He was a friend and will be missed. Ed & Vicki Kennedy

  23. Our sympathy to the Soukup Family. Bob was a great teacher, coach, and friend. The Winters’ have many good memories of Bob from the oldest to the youngest. He helped all of us. Thank you Bob, John and Mary Winter

  24. You were my first … and best … coach. Thank you for your inspiration and what it continues to do for me in life. I’m glad that I got to see you and spend time with you at Dad’s visitation a couple of months ago. You were still on your game! Until we see each other on the other side, God bless and God speed.

  25. Dearest Betty, Hans, Zackary, Sybil, Our deepest sympathy to your family, tears are running down our cheeks with you. We were sorry to hear about Bob’s passing, we hope that time takes even the small and simple memories we hold of those we love and silently turns them to gold!!! Much love Call if you need anything, Jeff and Shelly Krall

  26. Dear Betty and family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you . Enjoyed knowing Bob and doing business with him. Dan and Jean Scott

  27. Soukup Family, My deepest sympathies go out to you during this most difficult time. Ever since I can remember, Bob has always had passion in all that he did. He put others first and truly cared about people and his community. He led a life of service pretty much his entire life. Bob is a great example of what a hero truly is. Bob will be missed by so many people, but the memories will forever be in our hearts and minds. I am very fortunate I had the privilege of knowing Bob aka Bub. 🙂 He truly was a special person. Deepest Sympathies, Shelley

  28. So sorry for you loss. Enjoyed talking with Bob out at the CWC. His kind words will not be forgotten. May all the good memories help get you through this very hard time. Todd & Maelynn Tenge

  29. Soukup Family, I have known Bob ever since I was a kid. He stopped at the baseball field more than once to watch us hit baseballs and offer advice. As an adult, I enjoyed talking to him at various sporting events, including the NCAA wrestling tournament. He will be missed by so many. You have my sympathies. Ryan Dietzenbach

  30. To Bob’s Family, We are so sadden by this news. What a wonderful man he was! Always had a smile, a kind word to say, he truly left us all with ‘the way to live.’ Keep close to your heart all your fond memories, he will always be with you. Our deepest sympathy, Dave and Terry Utterback

  31. Coach Soukup was a great man who always encouraged me, even though I was probably the worst athlete he had ever seen. He would put me in the game when he could. He would try to holler at me for messing up, but I could see him smiling into his hand afterwards, and he’d wink. Not in a mean way, but like we had an inside joke together. What an awesome man! Thanks, Coach! You made it about the fun, and I will always remember your kindness and sportsmanship.

  32. Bob was a treasure and will certainly be remembered for his hard work and dedication, community spirit, and his kindness. He always took the time to visit with others. When I worked at Fareway, Bob would always greet me with that contagious smile and words of wisdom. He truly was a great leader and leaves a legacy that will be cherished and not forgotten. He will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathies, Tom and Irene Frantzen

  33. Bob was a good friend and a class mate of mine. I always enjoyed talking with Bob and sharing memories of our high school days together. I know that he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a special guy! You have my sincere sympathies. Arvid Gauger

  34. Dear Bob Family,with Deepest Sympathy in the of your loved one ‘ Til time eplaces sadness with Cherished memories, may caring thoughts bring you strength. Your Friend, Brenda Parks.

  35. Hans and family, Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. Thinking of you as we know how hard it is to lose your Dad. Cherish the memories and all that made you smile over the years. Terrie (Rosonke) and Dewey Rethamel

  36. Oh, how I will remember his humor, our discussions and sitting around visiting. Great memories, great stories and great guy. Blessings and prayers! Mike Tauke

  37. Betty and Family, I was so saddened today when Riley called to tell me that Bob had passed away. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him but, I can’t think about my years working for Congressman Nagle without remembering Bob and many campaign shenanigans. His sense of humor always made his a welcome voice on the other end of the phone. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Fondly, Kim Pickering Schmidt

  38. Dear Betty and Family. Ginny and I offer deep sympathy to you in the loss of your husband and dad. I will always remember Bob as one of the ‘stars’ of the NHHS class of ’61, a fun-loving co-worker at The Hub in New Hampton, and – especially – his and your many kindnesses to my mother (‘Grandma Leone’), your next-door neighbor in NH. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Richard Lynch, Athens, GA.

  39. Dear Betty and Family,,,,Please accept my sincere sympathy. Bob was a wonderful person. I know he loved his family, friends and New Hampton. I will remember him, you and your family in my prayers,,,,,John Scally, Rock Island, Il.

  40. Betty, Hans, Zach and Sybil–Bob was such a special person to so many and has left a footprint that will endure for a long, long time. I have so many happy memories of my times at your house and treasure the conversations and lessons I learned along the way from Bob. He will be sadly missed. My heartfelt sympathy to you all for the great loss of a wonderful man. Lisa Gates Fry & family

  41. Dear Betty, Hans, Zachary, Sybil and family-Our hearts are heavy, but know he is surrounded by family and friends and we will see him once again. So many wonderful memories. Jane and Dave Kraft

  42. We will miss Bob’s wit and interesting conversation. He truly loved New Hampton and did so much good here. We appreciated his friendship and will think of him when the beets are ready for pickling. The Ipsen’s

  43. Dear Betty and Bob’s family, The world is a better place for having Bob in it as our genuine friend &and devoted supporter. We will light a luminary at this year’s Chickasaw Relay for Life in honor of Bob, where he had generously served as honorary survivor and inspiring MC. His memory will live on in our hearts – always. With our love and heartfelt sympathy to you in your loss, Steve & Francie Crawford

  44. Betty and Family,our sympathy and prayers to you, and peace be with you. As a long time friend and neighbor to Bob I would have many stories and memories to share,some not necessarily for publication. Suffice it to say we had much fun as we progressed through the high school years, participating in football and basketball together and also many social activites. Betty I’m sure you remember that Sandie and I signed the papers so you and Bob could marry and also the many times we played cards and otherwise socialized with you and Bob. We will surely miss our wonderful friend who always remembered us and we will always remember him.Bruce & Sandie Whalen

  45. Betty & family, Our sympathy and prayers to all of you. Bob was a wonderful man and always had a smile on his face. He was a great asset to the community and will be remembered for his athleticism as a young man. May you cherish all of the memories and hold them close to your heart. Bob has now reached his Heavenly Kingdom and is now resting in peace. Merle & Karen Schwickerath

  46. So many memories of our high school years…where would I begin? Bob will be missed by many. With sympathy and prayers, Patty Stricke (Schwickerath), Rochester, MN

  47. Dearest Sybil, Please know that all of our hearts are with you and your family as you journey through this difficult time. May you find comfort in your most cherished of memories. Your staff at the Humane Society of North Iowa.

  48. Betty and Family; You have my heartfelt sympathy at the passing of Bob. He was a great friend. The class of 1961 will surely miss him. My prayers are with you. Betty Johnson Manning Charles City, Ia

  49. Betty, I am so sorry to read about Bob’s passing and his long struggle with cancer. Every couple of months I check the New Hampton obituaries to see if I know anyone. DARN! Say it isn’t so….sure never expected to see Bob’s handsome face on a page like this today. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry. Eileen (Carmody) Mullan Wausau, WI

  50. Betty and family Willis really enjoyed working with Bob on many projects— we will all miss his shining face. Pat and Willis Hansen

  51. Betty, Hans, Zach, and Sybil – my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you! I remember your dad growing up and was even able to have a beer with him and my dad at the American Legion many moons ago! 🙂 He was a great guy! You should be proud to know that you have a very special angel looking down on all of you now! Thinking of you all! Lori (Finnegan) Eischeid

  52. Betty and Family…Bob was a fighter. Several years ago, I worked out at the Wellness Center often when Bob was working out there. We talked together and it was then that I came to discover that Bob had a caring heart. I hope you find comfort in your friends and neighbors during this time. Take care…

  53. To Betty, Hans ,Zachary,and Sybil and all of Bob’s family, Bob was one of those special people who touched many lives in many ways. His friends will be telling ‘Bob stories’ for a long time. He was devoted to family, friends, sports, his community (New Hampton owes him a lot), and church as you tell by the memorial requests. Kathy and George Bouska

  54. Betty, Hans,Zachary,and Sybil Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. Bob was a special man and friend. He will be missed by everyone. Jim and Mary Kay Carr

  55. Bob and I were sadden to hear about Bob’s passing. But knowing he is no longer suffering is of comfort to all. May God give you the strength to get through this. God Bless

  56. BETTY, HANS, ZACH & SYBIL, I RECENTLY GAVE BOB A RIDE TO AN EVENT AND WE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL CHAT ABOUT YEARS THAT HE COACHED OUR BOYS IN BASKETBALL. OUR FAMILY LOVED BOB AS HE WAS ALWAYS SO KIND TO US AND VISITED RALPH WHEN HE WAS HOMBOUND. HE DID SO MUCH FOR NEW HAMPTON, AND FOR THAT WE ALL BENEFITTED FROM HIS BEING ECONOMIC DIRECTOR. MY SYMPATHY, WE WILL ALL MISS HIM. GERRY KENNEDY

  57. Betty and Family, we send our love and deepest sympathy . You are all in our prayers. Doug and Trish Betten

  58. My sympathy to the family at the loss of Bob. We have a long family friendship. His mother and I were classmates and close friends. Clara and i had our children close in age, and we shared the joy of raising our families. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family today. Bob did so much good in his life for all of us and our community. Anna Mary Carr

  59. Betty and family, Our sincere sympathy to all of you. Bob was a special man and will be greatly missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Always know he has gone to a better place. Shirl & Vallie Stone

  60. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Betty and All of your Family.Bob was a very special man,he always had time to say hello,and visit.New Hampton is a better place because of him,and he will be missed by everyone. Tom and Marian Gebel

  61. Dear Betty & family, We send our sincere sympathy on the loss of your family member. Bob was a strong supporter of our community and a friend to all. Ben & Mary Ryan

  62. Bob was a good friend and mentor to me at FSA. He wil be greatly missed. I extend my sympathy to your entire family at this time. I hope you find peace. Tammy Eibey, Iowa

  63. Betty, Hans, Zach and Sybil, My prayers are with you. His memory will always make me smile. I love you guys!!

  64. Dear Mrs. Soukup and family, I knew Bob as a fellow state executive director for the USDA farm service agency. He was an exceptional person. I had a chance to keep in touch with his cancer fight via the informal SED network. I wish you all the best during this difficult time. Dick Rush, Idaho

  65. Betty and family, You have our deepest condolences for your loss. Bob will be missed in the community as he truly cared and always was looking for ways to improve it. When we watched ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ this week, I thought of Bob as he believed he could make New Hampton a better place to live for everyone by expanding its horizons. He was determined to do whatever it took to get the job done. May he rest in peace without any more pain and suffering. Joe and Sharon Haskovec

  66. Betty, Hans, Zach and Sybil: So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, dad and grandfather. Bob will be missed by all that knew him, he was such a loving and caring man. He fought such a long battle with cancer and now is pain free. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. God Bless you all. Don, Pat & Chance Johnson

  67. Bob would blow our snow early in the morning and I never knew who it was till a few years later! While we lived there Bob was a great neighbor and friend. Always a great person to chat with. He will be greatly missed! Jason Shatek

  68. Betty, Hans, Zach, and Sybil: you have my sincere sympathy as you grieve the loss of a man you each deeply loved. Know that friends and family are praying for you. Your father fought a very long, hard and courageous battle; trying to spend more quality time with the people he loved. His legacy will live on in the community he called home!

  69. Bob was a very funny, caring, and loving man. He supported and loved New Hampton 100%. He loved all the young people who were involed in any knd of sport. Bob keep throwing those clip boards. We will miss you, Bob. May you rest in peace. Our sincere sympathy to all the family. Jack and Betty Gorman

  70. Betty and family – You have my sincere condolences. Bob fought hard to the end and he will be missed by many. Karen Schmitt

  71. Betty, Hans, Zach and Sybil our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob leaves many good memories with all that he came in contact with, he truely was a kind and gentle individual. He will be missed by all.

  72. What a wonderful life he had lead by example. The world is a sadder place now that Bob has left it. Many thoughts and prayers to his family.

  73. Betty, may you and your family always treasure the happy times and forever keep them close to your heart! With prayers. Jim and Ethel Steven


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