Florence Louise (Timmerman) Soenen, age 97 of Emmetsburg, peacefully joined her husband, Gerard (Jerry) Soenen, in the Holy Kingdom on Sunday, July 26, 2026 surrounded by comfort and love. Mass of Christian Burial was 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 30, at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Mass was livestreamed via Martin Mattice Funeral Home's website. Burial took place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 29, at Martin Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg with a CDA rosary that began at 4:30 PM. Services were entrusted to Martin Mattice Funeral Home of Emmetsburg.
Florence was born on March 4,1929, in Duluth, MN to Gaston and Lena (Dobbelaere) Timmerman. When Florence was 3 years old, the family moved to Ghent, MN.
Florence received her education in Ghent and later graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Graceville, MN in 1947. She landed her first job with First National Bank in Minneota, MN.
At a typical Friday night dance, Florence’s life changed forever when Jerry asked her to dance. They were married on September 7, 1950, and began their life together farming near Marshall, MN. Florence was a dedicated partner on the farm until the couple moved to Emmetsburg in 1964 and purchased Soenen Oil Company. Once her seven children were school aged, she returned to the workforce, first at D&K Auto and then as a teller at Brenton Bank, a role she truly loved because of the daily connections she made with her customers.
After retirement Florence and Jerry enjoyed wintering in Texas, Arizona, and Florida with family and many new friends made along the way.
Florence was an avid card player. She especially loved to play bridge, not just for the challenge of the game, but for the cherished friendships she made. She crocheted beautiful gifts of comfort and care, from baptismal blankets to prayer shawls and countless blankets for her family and community.
She and Jerry instilled a deep devotion to God and family in their children and grandchildren. The couple walked to daily Mass together. They shared a lifelong commitment to the daily Rosary—a tradition Florence’s daughters kept alive after Jerry’s passing by taking turns to pray with her every day.
Florence served her parish with love for decades. Her ministry included teaching Religious Education, 50+ years as a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Eucharistic Minister at Mass and nursing homes, circle leader, and funeral choir member, just to name a few.
Florence’s memory is cherished by her children: Greg (Liz) Soenen, Bob (Jane) Soenen, (Sue) Soenen, Ken (Karen) Soenen, Mary Lee (Dave) Orr, Geriann (Gary) Vaske, and Julie (Jim) Koeppel, brother-in-law Bob Hamerlinck, 18 grandchildren, and extended family of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Waiting to greet Florence were her parents, her husband Jerry, her sons Tom and infant Steven, and her siblings Leo, Bertha, Andrew, Archie, and Marie.
