Walter Alfred Soderlind, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in Richmond Hill, GA. Born on February 10, 1938, in Tyler, MN, to Gertrude and Walter Soderlind, Walt lived a life defined by faith, family, and service to others.

He was the devoted husband of Caren Soderlind, the love of his life, and they shared 59 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, music, and unwavering devotion to family. His greatest joy was spending time with those he loved most.

Raised in small town Lake Benton, MN, he was affectionately known as "Sonny." He graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Economics and proudly served in the National Guard. He later spent 32 years with Ford Motor Company as a Regional Operations Manager, living in several cities across the Midwest and South. During his tenure, he organized a scholarship program for high school students in auto mechanics. After retiring, he was owner of Sylvan Learning Center in Salisbury, NC for 15 years.

A devout Catholic, Walt was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, and Lions Club, and coached youth soccer, basketball, and track. He was known for his quick wit, warm smile, and kind heart. Walt will be fondly remembered for an endless supply of entertaining stories told with humor, warmth, and a twinkle in his eye. He made meeting new people look easy.

He was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed boating and swimming. Walt loved music and had a great singing voice. A well- rounded athlete in his younger years, he loved football, basketball and all types of competition, always cheering for the Minnesota Vikings and Alabama Crimson Tide. A lifelong dog lover, he welcomed several rescue dogs into his life, each one dearly cherished.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Gertrude Soderlind of Lake Benton, MN, and his sister, Jane Swanson of Minneapolis, MN.

He is survived by his wife, Caren, and his children: Mary Kay Delaney (Jeff) of Richmond Hill, GA; David Soderlind of Savannah, GA; and Camile Denhard (Scott) of Salisbury, NC. He was a proud grandfather to Patrick, John, Lauren, and Jake.

A gathering to pray the Holy Rosary will be held on Thursday, February 5 at 6:00pm at Richmond Hill Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, February 6, at 11:00am at St. Anne Catholic Church in Richmond Hill, GA, with a private burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services at crs.org or Doctors Without Borders at give.doctorswithoutborders.org.