Robert Soukup

   Cause of his death was Non-Hodgkin lymphoma [Agent Orange].

  General Notes:

per sister's obit


New Hampton Tribune (IA)
December 29, 2012
Robert (Bob) Soukup, age 69 of New Hampton, lost his 12-year battle with cancer on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at his Arizona home with his wife at his side.
Bob was born to Harry and Clara (Busta) Soukup on Sept. 15, 1943, in New Hampton.
He attended New Hampton Schools, graduating in 1961. He was a well-respected athlete, excelling in football, basketball and baseball.
In 1964, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. It was determined by military doctors that his Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during that service. He was first diagnosed in 2000 and fought hard for twelve years with the help of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.
Bob and Betty Leuenberger were married in 1968 by Father Carpenter in Fairbank. They were blessed with three children: Hans Peter, Zachary Jon and Sybil Brooke.
He worked various jobs in the New Hampton area until 1987 when he joined the staff of Congressman Dave Nagle. He then worked in Des Moines for U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin and this led to his appointment by President Clinton to be the Midwest Region director for the United States Department of Agriculture. Following Al Gore's defeat in 2000, Bob became the economic development director for his beloved City of New Hampton.
His devotion to his hometown is reflected through numerous city parks, the ice skating rink, baseball field and many successful businesses and industries. Two of his proudest accomplishments were securing federal dollars for the Highway 63 expansion and seeing his tireless efforts lead to Progress Casting locating in New Hampton and employing 150 of his fellow citizens.
Left to cherish Bob's memorable life are his wife Betty; daughter Sybil Soukup, Clear Lake; sons Hans (Peggy) Soukup, Eau Claire, WI; Zachary Soukup, St. Louis, MO; and three precious grandchildren who gave him enormous pleasure: Carson Soukup, Taylor Soukup, Brooke Soukup. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Bill Straw, New Hampton and nieces Christine Straw and Stephanie Maske.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Ruth (Soukup) Straw; Margaret (Soukup) Hoge; and numerous aunts and uncles.
In honor of his wishes, his remains were cremated in Arizona and a memorial service celebrating his life will be held in New Hampton at a later date. Private family inurnment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton. Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences for Bob's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com
All memorial gifts will be directed to the New Hampton Baseball Complex, New Hampton Wrestling Team and St. Joseph Community School.
Copyright 2012 New Hampton Tribune. All Rights Reserved.

Robert married Living