Soman, John Michael

John Michael Soman

On October 31, 2023, the world unexpectedly lost one of the great ones: John Michael Soman, age 81, of Jackson, WI, formerly Montfort. If you knew John, his personality and smile were infectious. His effortless ability to start a conversation with anyone he met was legendary. He touched countless lives in so many ways and made new friends everywhere he went. Some of John's favorite things in life were his faith, his family, traveling, and the Green Bay Packers.

John was born on October 12th, 1942, in Green Bay, WI, the oldest child of Walter Conrad Soman and Elizabeth Emma Wedewart. He went to school in Green Bay until his senior year in 1959, when his family purchased the Hannan Funeral Home and Furniture Stores in Livingston and Montfort, WI.  John went from being a "city kid" to a "country boy" overnight. One of the first jobs he had while completing his senior year in an entirely new environment, was to become a farm hand for a local farmer from near Arthur, WI. On September 7th, 1962, John married the love of his life, Sharon Kay Soman (McFall), and proceeded to do the best job he could: to give her a wonderful life.  

The newlyweds began their life together by moving to Minneapolis, where John studied for, and received his Bachelors in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota.  Upon completing his degree, the couple moved to Platteville, WI, where he furthered his studies and obtained his bachelor’s in education from the UW-Platteville. Upon completion of his second degree, John and Sharon moved to Wilmore, KY.  There, Sharon studied for and received her degree in nursing, while John began seminary studies, with the intent of becoming overseas missionaries. In 1971, the two changed their plans, and returned to Montfort, WI, where John joined the family business of Soman Furniture and Funeral Home. 

John devoted his life to the growth and service of the business and remained a partner of Soman Furniture and Funeral Home of Montfort, as well as Bonin Funeral Home of Platteville, WI until he sold the family business in 1991. Shortly after, John and Sharon started a new adventure by opening a small specialty retail store in Montfort called 'Moments in Time'. During this period, John joined his sons in developing a construction company, located in Montfort. From 1998 to 2009, John wore many hats in the construction business, both on site, and in management. In 2009, John once again changed his career path, and joined Menards in Madison, WI, where he remained a proud employee, until his retirement in 2020.

John is preceded in death by his younger brother, Jim Soman (2017); his mother Betty (2014); his nephew, Bruce Soman (2013); and his father, Walter (1990).

John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sharon Soman; his children: Kimberly Deatherage (Michael), Pamela Soman (David Corry), Michael Soman (Heather), David Soman (Mandy); grandchildren: Karen Pavkov (RP), Chrissy Burnham (Josh), Shaun Soman, Erika Kolar, Jacob Soman, Madeline Soman Cwik, Andrew John Soman, Sage Soman, Jacob Kolar, Riley Soman, Lexi Soman, Kenley Soman, Sophia Soman, and Arianna Soman; great grandchild, Robbie Pavkov; and siblings: Fred (Nancy) Soman, Jane Soman, Bill (Jean) Soman, Dan (Kitty) Soman, and Sara (Ron) Flack.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort, WI. Burial took place in Rock Church Cemetery in rural Livingston, WI. A visitation was held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, at the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com