SOEHNER, Hilding A.

Greers Mortuary of Winslow, Winslow, AZ ~ October 24, 2010 Hilding A. Soehner A viewing will be held October 29, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Greer's Mortuary. Services will be at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 30,2010, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately with military honors at the Desert View Cemetery. Hilding A. Soehner, 89, was born February 15, 1921. He died at home October 24, 2010. He was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease at age 85. He was the son of Charles F. and Mattie Lee (Scheible) Soehner. There were three older brothers, Mervin, Dale and Kale, all deceased. Five sisters include Marie, deceased, her twin Marge of Colorado Springs, CO, Charline and Wilma Lou of Placerville, CA, and Hazel of Denver, CO. He was raised on a wheat farm in east central Yuma County, Colorado, and graduated in a class of seven from Armel High School in May 1939. In 1942 he joined the Navy, attending boot camp in Farragut, ID, and serving at naval hospitals at Oakland and Livermore Air Stations. He was then transferred to an aircraft carrier, the USS Altamaha CVE 18. They headed to the South Pacific with squadron VC66 to patrol near the Marshall Islands where they sank two Japanese submarines. In December 1944 while transferring planes to the Third Fleet, they were caught in Halsey's typhoon. Winds of 140 knots lasted 36 hours and sank three destroyer escorts with over 700 men and destroyed all planes. H.A. was honorably discharged on January 20, 1946, and was proud of his service to his country. He then returned home and farmed with his brother Kale. On June 22,1947, he married Jane Shaver, a childhood friend. They lived on a cattle ranch near Laird, CO, and were involved in 4-H until 1956 when he moved the family to Winslow. They operated the Bazell Motel until 1968. In 1962 he purchased the A&W Root Beer Stand which was the family business until 1975. He then worked at Wilson Automotive, Big A Auto Parts store, purchasing the business in 1981. In 2002 he retired from all business and drove for Meals on Wheels for four years. H.A. was the head usher at the Methodist Church and a trustee since 1966. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jane Soehner of Winslow, and seven children: Leslie Brackett of Dallas, TX; Gary (Cindy) Soehner of Idalia, CO; Nancy (Gary) Loving of Eagar, AZ; Gale (Mary) Soehner of Phoenix, AZ; Jeanne (Jim) O'Haco, Harold (Paula Sue) Soehner; Micky (Lisa) Soehner, all of Winslow, AZ; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 sisters. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in H.A.'s name to the First United Methodist Church, 101 E. Hillview St., Winslow, AZ 86047.