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Paul Soebbing Memorial Folder

Paul Herman Soebbing of Watauga, SD, passed away on September 20, 2024.

Paul's Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Michael's Catholic Church of Watauga. Rosary beginning at 11 and mass to follow beginning at 1130.

Paul H. Soebbing was born on March 30, 1935 to Gustav and Maria (Witte) Soebbing in Graes, Germany. Paul grew up on the family farm near Graes and was very proud that it still remains in the family today, being cared for by future generations of Soebbings.

In 1955, Paul followed his oldest brother Ed to Watauga. To complete his Agriculture degree, he worked on Joe and Anne Riehl's farm under their sponsorship. Joanne and Julie (Riehl) forever called Paul their German brother.

Paul's next adventure was to help build the Oahe Dam. While he was working in Pierre, he was drafted into the United States Military. He met his bride-to-be while serving with the US Army Special Forces in Europe. This led to another German moving to Watauga, SD.

Paul and Marlene (Riehm) were married June 15, 1961 in St. Michaels Catholic Church in Watauga. In 1962, Paul and Marlene purchased their first farm together and loved it so much that they stayed for the rest of Paul's life. Paul was a part of the township board for more than 60 years and a proud delegate for Wheat Growers for numerous years as well.

Paul was preceded in death by his big brothers and their wives Ed and Betty Soebbing, and Alfons and Maria Soebbing, as well as his big sister and husband Ursula and August Rolfes.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife Marlene, daughter Heidi and son-in-law Joe Volk, his grandchildren Mikyle Soebbing-Volk and his fiancée Mara, Mariah (Soebbing-Volk) and Anthony Roth, Mercedes Soebbing-Volk, and the newest additions, great grandchildren Liam Paul and Adler Joseph Roth.  Siblings Theresia and Gerd Berning, and Gustav and Marianne Soebbing, his niece Teresa and her husband Dale Dillman and their family, as well as many other great nieces and nephews in Germany. Sister-in-law and husband Erika and Peter Michels, beloved cousin Richard Haas, lifetime school pal Ed Wagner and his wife Waltraud, and many of his extended family and friends.

Today we say Auf Wiedersehn to our rock! He was the textbook example of "If you do what you love to the best of your abilities, you'll never work a day in your life!" He was a quiet, fierce soldier of Christ and protector of family. He held everyone accountable to a higher standard, but no higher than he expected of himself. He gave his best advice to anyone who asked, and every stranger was a friend yet to meet.

We truly believed you would outlive us all, but a higher power thought differently.  You were very proud of your time in the Army Special Forces, your time working to build the Oahe Dam, but, most of all, you were proud of what you and Marlene accomplished in Watauga, South Dakota.

We now hold your funeral in a church built from the bricks made on your land and the same church you were married in as well as where so many sacraments were held. We hear every word you are saying (and will continue to argue with you when it's appropriate). But, most of all, you are so loved and will be missed not just here, but across the sea as well.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to our Local Morristown, McIntosh, and Watauga Fire Department. 213 Main St., Watauga, SD 57660