Lonnie Soderberg, 77

Lonnie Lee Soderberg left us peacefully Aug. 20, 2025, after a long illness. 

His kindness, generosity, and humor — and love of puns — were known to everyone he met. 

Lonnie was born Dec. 23, 1947, in Long Beach, Calif. He grew up in Southern California and lived in Ashland, Ore., Hayden, Idaho, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, before settling in Spokane Valley. He had several careers, including stage managing many well-known rock groups, but his favorite was working with the disabled at Alpha Homes. He was very active with Idaho Special Olympics and Partners in Flight, which provided tethered hot air balloon rides for people with disabilities. Lonnie loved music; he played the guitar and sang, and wrote his own songs, including an ode to his beloved dog, Charlie Brown. At his last place of employment, where he was a night manager for Super 8, he would finish his shift, then play guitar and sing for the patrons eating breakfast. 

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Arthur Soderberg and Joyce Portrey Soderberg, and his sister, Linda Shultz. 

He is survived by his brother, Stanley Richard (Virginia) Soderberg, brother-in-law John Shultz, nephews Brian Scott and Dana Scott, nieces Rachel Soderberg and Rebecca Soderberg, and many cousins. 

A burial service will be held at a later date.