Donald J. Soens

Donald J. Soens, 73, of La Salle, passed away at home on October 4, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Memorial services will be 12:00 PM Saturday October 28, 2023 in the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle with Pastor Debbie Graper of Ax Church in La Salle officiating.  Visitation will be in the funeral home from 10:00 AM until time of services.

Don was born in Streator on October 26, 1949 to Edward and Lois (Eggleston) Soens.  He married Patricia Crossman on June 1, 1968.  He sold insurance for Prudential, Globe Life and retired from Physicians Mutual. He then went on to work at Big Lots and Tee-Group until his diagnosis of throat cancer.

At age 14, he taught himself to play drums.  Later he learned to play the valve trombone and banjo, where he played with Ed Spayer and other talented musicians. They traveled to many states to perform.  He was in the “Junction band” and the “Plaid-lads” as well. Don loved to sing “Hello Dolly” and impersonated Louie Armstrong quite well. Don had his drums set up in the basement and played until he was 70 years old. He enjoyed fishing, family vacations to Indiana Beach, going to Dalzell Rod and Gun Club, and telling stories and jokes.  He loved to watch Indy and NASCAR. He used to go to the Indy time trials every year. He loved spending time with his family and having cook outs.

Don is survived by his wife Patricia of La Salle; two daughters, Laura (Craig) Lunn of Dalzell and Stacey Buczkowski of La Salle; one son, Donald E. Soens of La Salle; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; one brother Jerry (Shirley) Soens of La Salle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Sue Ferretti, one brother Billy Soens, a niece Chris Uranich and aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

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