Shannon Soder

October 2, 1965 - August 20, 2010

Shannon Stewart Soder, 44, died Friday, August 20, 2010 as a result of a heart attack at his home in West Des Moines, Iowa. Shannon was born in Iowa City, Iowa on October 2, 1965 to Wayne and Sharon Soder. Following his mother's death in 1967, Wayne married Judy Tuel in 1970 at which time she adopted Shannon along with his three older brothers. His youngest brother, Jason, was born a year later. While attending Stratford High School, Shannon was active in sports, dramatic arts, and speech and was a member of the Stratford Boxing Club. During the summers, Shannon also served as a lifeguard at the municipal swimming pool. Shannon graduated in 1984. Later, he attended Des Moines Area Community College in Boone and studied graphic design at the Ankeny campus. Shannon was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and painting. He also enjoyed acting and was a member of the Boone Community Theater. He was able to apply his creativity and craftsmanship to his work at Redeker's and Swan Creek Cabinetry both in Boone, Iowa. Most recently he worked at Charles Furniture in Wes Des Moines, were he worked until his death. Some of Shannon's favorite times were spent enjoying time and swapping stories with his brothers, Christopher, Roydan, Blake and Jason, with whom he shared a special and unique bond. They enjoyed many adventures together including "The Soder Brothers Annual Great Northern Fishing Expedition" every spring. Humorous and engaging, Shannon was expressive and loving, and his children were his greatest joy. Shannon is survived by his children Ian Soder, Maryssa Soder and Xander Soder, his fiancé Lisa Pearson and their daughter Shali Soder. He is also survived by his mother Judy Soder; brothers Christopher Soder and wife Kristen, Blake Soder and wife Sharon, and brother Jason Soder and wife Lisa; along with nieces and nephews Laura Garvey, Andrew Soder, Meegan Soder, Rachael Soder, Elizabeth Brobst, Jascy Soder and Ross Soder. His parents; Sharon Soder in 1967 and Wayne Soder in 2004; his son Marshall Soder in 1994; and his brother Roydan Soder in 2008 preceded him in death. It was Shannon's wish to be cremated A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, August 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the Stratford Lutheran Church in Stratford with Pastor Joe Lambert officiating. Internment will be held at a later date. Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct their gift to the Soder Family, the American Heart Association or the Iowa SIDS Foundation.