Alta Soderstrum, 95, Luther, Iowa
LUTHER, Iowa—Alta Soderstrum, of Luther, completed a long and happy life of over 95 years, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone.
Alta Moretta was born on August 23, 1931, on her parents’ farm southwest of Perry, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Grimm) Smith. She received her early education in country school and graduated from Washington Township in 1948.
Alta married Vernon Soderstrum on June 24, 1960, at the Methodist Church in Luther. The couple created their home north of Luther, where they farmed and had an egg laying operation. They ran Vernie’s Egg and Produce from their farm for many years, which also included a large sweet corn and pumpkin patch. This union was blessed with two children, Cheryl and Kurt. They were married 60 years, until Vern’s passing in 2020.
Alta was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. She enjoyed the fellowship of neighborhood clubs, The Las Amigas and the Worthwhile Birthday Club.
Alta was an excellent cook and baker, especially when an angel food cake, pie, cookies or potato salad were needed. She had a great love for the outdoors, but was also an avid reader.
Alta’s life was a remarkable journey, filled with love, laughter, and a profound impact on all those fortunate enough to know her. She is remembered as kind and gentle, who lived her faith. Special thanks to her caregivers at the Eastern Star Masonic Home and Sacred Encounter Hospice.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Lois (George) Barnes and brother, Ray Smith; in-laws, Retta Soderstrum, Shirley Peterson, Weldon Soderstrum and Ruth Ann (Dick) Danner.
Left to cherish her memory, daughter, Cheryl (Mark) Randall and son, Kurt (Peg) Soderstrum; grandchildren, Tyler (Jess) Randall, Alex (Kimberly) Randall, Jamie (Jordan) Terwilliger, Erin (Wyatt) Waldock, and Jessie (Jason Doland) Soderstrum; great-grandchildren, Roy, Dean, Blaine, Reagan, Emmett, Emilia and Wrenley; in-laws, Jerry Peterson, Doris Soderstrum and Mildred Smith; and several nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, Boone, with Pastor Justin Crocheck officiating. Visitation will be held for an hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Squire Boone Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorials be given to either the Eastern Star Masonic Home or Sacred Encounter Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Alta’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com
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