CLAFLIN — Albert H. Soeken, 96, died Sept. 17 at Woodhaven Care Center in Ellinwood. Born Dec. 19, 1914 in Barton County, he was the son of Henry and Anna (Lubinus) Soeken. On May 7, 1941, he married Viola Knop in Ellinwood. She died in September, 1999. A lifetime resident of Claflin, he was a farmer. He was a Dekalb seed dealer.

Mr. Soeken was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Claflin. He was one of the founders of the Claflin Co-op, and a past member of Clara Barton Hospital Board. He enjoyed bowling and visiting with people.

Survivors include a son, Merle Albert Soeken and wife Ilene of Mountain Home, Ark.; three daughters, Donna Lou Strube and husband Arthur of Claflin, Marilyn Kay Buczinski and husband Larry of Ellinwood, and Nancy Ann Soeken of Great Bend; a sister, Grace Anna Mehel of Holyrood; eight grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; two brothers, Raymond Soeken and Edward Soeken; and one sister, Martha Kootz.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Claflin with Pastor Daniel Harders and Pastor Jeffrey Frakes officiating. Burial will be at the Claflin Cemetery. Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nicholson-Rickey Funeral Home. Memorial are suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church or Claflin Ambulance Fund in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*

Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Sept. 20, 2011