Richard "Dick" Soley, 76, died peacefully Saturday, December 9, 2017, holding the hands of his daughters and sister. Dick was born and raised his own family in the Mount Simon area of Eau Claire. His proudest moments include his marriage to Ann (Bellows) Soley in 1961, purchasing his dream home in 1985, completing his high school degree after retirement and of course, having a front row reserved seat to the successes of his children and grandchildren. Dick was a long-time employee of Uniroyal and was thankful for the opportunity to retire comfortably early in his life. A devoted husband, Dick provided in-home care to his wife, Ann, during her twelve years with dementia. His death during the Christmas season exemplifies his life of giving. May you all have a person like Dick in your life; someone who will give freely, love you unquestionably, inspire you to love deeply and completely, challenge you persistently, always put you first, make you burst into a gut-belly laugh out of shock, fight for you always and want nothing more than to just be with you. Dick is survived by his wife, Ann Soley and his daughters: Cathy (Russ) Nyberg; Carolyn Gullikson, Christine (Tom) Kleich and beloved niece, Mindy Mattson. Adored by his grandchildren, Adam (Heather) Collins, Jenny (Brandon) Kronenberg, Chris Julson, Heath Gullikson, Jared Gullikson, Shane Gullikson, Elicia Kleich and Alex Kleich; and great-granddaughters, Madison Collins and Aaliyah Julson. He is loved by his siblings, JoAnne Rousselow, Nancy (Dick) McNish and Mark (Deanne) Soley. Dick is preceded in death by his parents, James Soley, Sr. and Lois Soley, and his brothers James T. Soley, Jr (Pudge) and Tom Soley. Also, beloved son-in-law, Tom Gullikson, brothers-in-law, Rob Rousselow and Donald Bellows, and sister-in-law, Nancy Soley. "Uncle Bear" stole the hearts of many of his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Dick's family wants to thank the energetic and spirited nurses at Mayo Clinic's Dunlap Cancer Center as well as Zach Noland and his cardiac center parasynthesis team at Mayo Clinic for their expert and compassionate care. Dick was also blessed to have the entire hospice team at St. Joseph's Home Health and Hospice attend to his care during those most difficult days. Most notably, Dick's family would like to thank his sister, Jo Rousselow, for her many sacrifices as she tirelessly, humorously and skillfully supported Dick and Ann and their family through an incredibly difficult year. Visitation will be Friday, December 15, 2017, from 4 to 7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue in Eau Claire. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 16, 2017, at 10 am at Sacred Heart Parish, 416 Dewey Street in Eau Claire, with Father George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. There will be NO visitation before the Mass on Saturday. Burial will be Sacred Heart Cemetery, Eau Claire.
Service Information
Cemetery
Sacred Heart Cemetery
County Rd A
Mondovi WI 54755
Visitation
Friday, December 15 2017
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Prayer Vigil
Friday, December 15 2017
6:30 PM
Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, December 16 2017
10:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
North Dewey Street & Division Street
Eau Claire WI 54701
