Edwin Soergel Jr.'s Obituary
“…and now, even though his beautiful life has gone out, it is as when some far-off planet disappears from the heavens; the light of his glorious fame still reaches out to me, falls upon me, and warms me.” – Julia Dent Grant, U.S. First Lady
Edwin Soergel, Jr., 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10:38 a.m. in his beloved Tucson, Arizona. His last breath was shared with his devoted wife, Amber, who reassured him that he was loved and that his family would continue to be cared for by his brothers and sisters in arms.
Ed will be remembered for his infectious, dimpled smile, his storytelling that could captivate any audience, and his unwavering ability to bring joy to all who crossed his path. He had a rare gift of turning a stranger into a friend within moments, and his warmth and light will live on in the hearts of many for years to come.
Born in Colorado while his father served in the US Army on October 4, 1954, Ed called Yuma, Arizona his hometown and was pleased to bring his life back to the state of Arizona. Known affectionately as Eddie (or Little Eddie, son of Big Ed) by his early family and friends, he spent his boyhood days playing football with his father, guiding his younger brother through mischief, and learning invaluable life lessons from his mother. He often shared fond memories of working the melon fields with migrant workers, river parties, childhood rain dances, ’70s concerts, and tales of how the West was – stories he loved to share with anyone who would listen. His passion for history and geology shone through in every conversation, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
After graduating in 1973 as a Yuma High School Criminal, where he humorously referred to himself as a “parolee,” Ed attended Arizona Western College and Northern Arizona University with the dream of working outdoors. He enlisted in the U.S. Army to provide for his first wife and their two children. He was especially proud of his service with the Berlin Brigade from 1986 to 1990, where he played a role in the historic fall of the Berlin Wall. Ed’s tales of his time in Germany resonated with young and old alike, always told with enthusiasm and a glimmer in his eye.
Ed’s commitment to service extended beyond his military years. He lived the values of the U.S. Army in everything he did. From his active duty and role as a unit administrator to his service as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) member from 1980 to 2008, and later with the Department of Veterans Affairs until his retirement in 2019, Ed dedicated his life to serving others. He was a fierce advocate for those less fortunate and cared deeply for his adopted animals. Conversations with Ed were often filled with warmth as he asked about people’s homes, their lives, and the fish they could catch in the local rivers – rivers he knew intimately, from every country in the world. Ed found joy in meeting people and exploring the world, traveling to every continent and camping in every corner of the U.S. and beyond.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Gayle (Leininger) Soergel, and his beloved brother, Michael Alexander (Mick, Mickey, or Mouse) Soergel. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Amber Renee (Singleton) Soergel; his two children, Ian Alexander Soergel (and wife Christina Danielle [Garcia] Soergel) of Broken Arrow, OK, and Krista Renee Soergel of Tulsa, OK; his stepfather, Ruben Perez of Oracle, AZ; and five grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy: Blake Alexander Soergel, Rieley Nichole Soergel, Michael Wayne Dickover, Ayden Douglas Dickover, and Katelynn Renee Dickover. The family is forever grateful to Lori Giles of Tucson, AZ, for the love and care she provided to Ed during his final months.
Ed faced his own battle with Alzheimer's disease with the same courage and determination he displayed throughout his life. Having witnessed the struggles of his father and brother with Huntington’s disease, and supported his mother through her fight with Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's, Ed selflessly donated his brain to further research, following in the footsteps of his mother. In his honor, the family encourages donations to support Alzheimer's research led by women. Contributions can be made to the “Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund” at https://tinyurl.com/HonorSoergel.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ. All who have shared in Ed’s life and joy are invited to attend. The family requests that each guest bring a small rock (about the size of a quarter) from a place that was special to both them and Ed. His love of rocks knew no bounds, and these small stones will serve as a symbol of the love he shared with those he cherished.
Find further details on nearby hotels and maps at tinyurl.com/EdSoergel. There, you will also be able to share memories with family and friends.
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