Thomas M. Soderberg

Thomas Martin Soderberg, 69, of Cook, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, concluding a life shaped by a love of family and friends, enjoyment of the outdoors, a talent for sports, and a general delight in living. Tom was deeply thankful for the excellent medical care and support he received over the years, and grateful to the many people who helped and cared for him.
Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Lunch and fellowship will be held immediately after the service. Memorials may be directed to the Cook Care Center Activities Fund or the Trinity Lutheran Church Music Fund. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Tom was born on March 8, 1957, in Virginia, to Earl and Dorothy Hassenger Soderberg, and grew up in Cook. Affectionately known as “Sody” to friends, he graduated from Cook High School and Mesabi Community College in Virginia. Over the years, Tom lived in several places, including Maple Grove, Minn., and Pittsburgh, Pa., but Cook was always home.
Tom was a retired supervisor at US Steel-MinnTac, where he had been a millwright and a member of the United Steelworkers. He had also worked at Honeywell in the Twin Cities and US Steel in Pittsburgh. He enjoyed being outside and spent much of his free time golfing, fishing, hunting, boating, and burning brush at the cabin.
Athletics were a lifelong passion. In his younger years, Tom was an avid bowler, basketball, football, hockey, baseball and softball player, and he had a genuine appreciation for just about any sport. He started golfing at age 10, when he would be dropped off at the course early in the morning and stay out there all day until he could catch a ride back into town.
Tom attended Trinity Lutheran Church with enthusiasm. He was usually there bright and early, often served as an usher, and always appreciated the fellowship. He also regularly volunteered at the Cook Care Center, where he loved visiting with the residents. In both places, Tom found meaning in the simple joys of just being with other people.
Tom also dearly loved his dog, Petey. Their bond was a special and important part of his later years.
Tom always enjoyed the company of others, whether gathered around coffee at church, in a fishing boat with a friend, or just waving to neighbors as he walked Petey around town. He will be remembered for his appreciation for the people around him, and the many small ways in which he made a difference in the lives of others.
Tom is survived by his sister, Bailey Jane Soderberg Conger (William); nieces and nephew, Mary Conger (Adam Bliss), Liam Conger (Charanna) and Elizabeth Pretti; and grand-niece and nephews, Soder, Wyck, Zabet and Caro Bliss, Lars Conger, and Luke, Ladd and Pippa Pretti. He is also survived and remembered fondly by many cousins and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Dorothy; aunts, Elsa, Laura, Bonnie, Mildred and Barbara; uncle, Wendell on the Soderberg side; uncle, William Hassenger; and aunt, Barbara Takala.