David Soine

David Keith Soine, 86, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, of Alzheimer's disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Francis Soine, and his brother James Soine. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Gerrie; his son Dan (Cynthia) Soine: Sarah and Sam; his daughter Kim (Mike) Severino: Abby, Jessica, Michael, Sabrina, and Seth; his daughter Dawn Watkins: Jonathan, Jennifer, Jessica, Brittany, Nicholas, and Katelyn; his daughter Dianne (Troy) Mack: Ashley and Alex; his daughter Jan (Dave) Peterson: Matthew, Meghan, Tyler, Kyle, Carley, Katy; 20 great-grandchildren; his two sisters Joyce Krook and Barbie Ziemes, and many nieces and nephews. His family was the greatest joy of his life, and each of them brought him immense pride and happiness. David was born on March 29, 1939, in Montevideo, Minnesota, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The eldest of four siblings, David grew up in the city but treasured summers spent on his grandparents' farm. Raised Lutheran, he developed a strong moral foundation early in life, one that would deepen and shape the man he became. David met the love of his life, Gerrie, through mutual friends. They were married for 64 beautiful years, sharing a partnership marked by devotion, laughter, and shared faith. Together they attended plays, played bridge, organized and participated in yearly retreats, and traveled extensively. Among their favorite trips were many visits to Hawaii and California, as well as a deeply meaningful pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where David and Gerrie had their marriage blessed at the Wedding Sanctuary in Cana of Galilee. As a father, David was sweet, steady, and hardworking--a quiet provider and a natural caregiver who always put faith and family first. He was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren, and nothing brought him greater joy than watching them grow and thrive. He was a man of gentle strength and genuine emotion. He felt deeply and wasn't afraid to show it, often moved to tears by a touching moment. He showed his love through consistency, kindness, and a willingness to be there whenever he was needed. Those who knew David will remember him as a good listener--a rare and precious gift. He also had a wonderful sense of humor. He was witty and quick with a one-liner, often delivered with a knowing little smirk that made those around him smile. When asked how he was doing, he would often reply with a smile, "Better than most!" David honorably served two years in the United States Navy as a cook and baker aboard the heavy cruiser USS Boston, traveling to Cuba and throughout the Mediterranean. After his service, he dedicated 40 years to Cummins Inc. (formerly Onan) in Fridley, Minnesota, where he worked as a machinist and steadily rose to foreman and supervisor. Known for his tireless work ethic, he often covered difficult shifts to support his family. He also enjoyed his connection with people at the Green Haven Golf Course, where he worked a few days a week. A man of many interests, David loved hunting and fishing, motorcycle riding in his younger years (including cross-country trips), walking, reading, socializing, and playing cards. He especially loved singing and was part of the Onan company choir, performing at nursing homes. Even during his years with Alzheimer's, he continued to sing as a member of the Giving Voice Choir, learning new songs and performing at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts--a testament to his resilience and joy. Faith was the cornerstone of David's life. Though raised Lutheran, he converted to Catholicism in the 1980s after a priest simply asked him why he had never formally joined the Church. His answer--"No one ever asked me"--reflected his humble sincerity. He had already been faithfully attending Mass with his family and living the Catholic faith for years. After his conversion, he embraced his faith wholeheartedly. He attended daily Mass for nearly a decade, loved the Eucharist deeply, and participated in Bible study for ten years with Jeff Cavins. David lived with Alzheimer's disease for 15 years, facing its challenges with quiet dignity. Gerrie lovingly cared for him at home for many of those years. After a time in memory care, he returned home before eventually spending his final year at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis, where he received exceptional care. He remained active in memory programs and attended weekly Mass there. In a particularly tender grace, Archbishop Bernard Hebda happened to celebrate Mass on David and Gerrie's 64th wedding anniversary at the VA and offered a special blessing over their marriage--a moment the family will forever treasure. David received the Last Rites before his passing. David's life was a quiet testament to steadfast love, faithful service, and enduring devotion. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him. David's family would like to thank everyone who helped care for him with such kindness and compassion. They are especially grateful to the following organizations that help people with dementia: "The Gathering" at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, Open Circle of Hopkins, Memory Café at Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, and the Giving Voice Choir that David so loved singing with. The family also wishes to thank everyone who stepped in to help Gerrie with the many tasks David once handled himself, the Eucharistic ministers who visited and prayed with him, and all those who kept him company--whether by spending time together while Gerrie ran errands, taking him for walks or drives, sharing treats at Dairy Queen, or by assisting the staff at the Veterans Home by feeding David when he was unable to feed himself. Your visits, companionship, and care brought David comfort and joy and meant more to his family than words can express. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Franciscan Brothers of Peace, 1289 Lafond Ave, St. Paul MN 55104; or to Missionaries of Charity, 1500 E 24th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

Tributes

David Soine

March 29, 1939 - February 20, 2026

Tributes

David Soine

March 29, 1939 - February 20, 2026

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