George Soukup Obituary

God bless you and your family.
My Brother-in-law Don Morton was your neighbor at the hospital. Thier son was blessed to have spent time with his coach. May God be with you, and comfort you.

Please accept my condolences on your loss. I knew George when he taught with my late brother John at Minnetonka. He was a fine coach and teacher and a great guy.

Soukup Family,

It has been such an honor to read all the great comments about your dad/husband. It is amazing that he could make so many people feel so important and loved. He always expected the best from everyone, and with much respect, got it!!

As a high school kid, there are a few people that touch your life and help form you into the person that you become, and he was that for so many of us! I am so blessed to have had him as a teacher and a coach. I also was honored to get to babysit for Jeff and Kelsie from time to time, and get to know the whole Soukup clan.

I will miss periodically running into him around town, and walking away with a big smile on my face. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed.

What an awesome legacy he has left with all of us!!


MHS class of '89

Dear Soukup Family,

I am so sorry for your loss, but I know you realize how lucky you were to have George in your lives.

Mr. Soukup and Mr. Schultz coached my basketball and track teams at West Junior High from 1979-1981. Even though in general girls' athletic teams weren't given nearly the respect that the boys' teams were back then, you would have never known it being coached by Mr. Soukup. He treated us girls with the same respect, drive and love as he did his boy athletes. He had a knack for motivating you in the exact manner you needed -- if you needed to be pushed hard, he'd push hard. If you needed to be treated with kid gloves, he'd treat you with kid gloves.

I think one of the only reasons I went out for basketball and track was because I had a huge crush on the handsome Mr. Soukup! Thank God for girlhood crushes, because I learned so much about how to live a good life from Mr. Soukup. Even though I wasn't the best athlete in the world -- and I tended to fight with everyone around me -- he still treated me with kindness and respect. At a time when I sorely needed a good male role model in my life, I was lucky to have had Mr. Soukup as my coach.

So even though your hearts are broken, please know that Mr. Soukup left a positive imprint on thousands of students' hearts over the years. He was a great coach, and an even greater man. I've thought of him fondly many times over the years -- and will continue to do so.

My son David informed me today of Coach Soukup's passing. It is always sad to hear, however, comforting to know how many lives he touched in such a positive way. I know he was an inspiration to both of my sons (David and TJ) as they participated in Minnetonka High School sports. It was good to know as a parent that such a fine man was taking an interest in your family.
Coach Soukup will be remembered my many.

John Thedinga

Paula and family, My dear friend Mary Strot told me yesterday about the loss of your husband and I needed to let you know how very sorry we were to hear about the loss of your husband. I did not know him but we knew you as Caitlin's and Madeline's 1st grade teacher and they as well as myself ADORED you and wanted you to know we are thinking of you and your family at this sad time and our prayers are with you and your family!!! I just recently lost my dad to Alzheimers in Jan. and I can relate to dealing with the loss of a loved one! I believe your son may be a teacher at Gleason Lake where my "baby" - will be in 5th next year. Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family!! Fondly, Amy Carr

I am truly saddened to hear of George's passing. I worked with George for a time at MHS and more recently at MME where he coached his 9th grade basketball team. As I got to know George he always struck me as a man of great integrity, compassion and humor – qualities that proved inspirational to me. My prayers are with Paula, their children and the rest of George's family.

Paula, Jeff and Kelsie,

If it was possible not to laugh, or at least smile, when George was in the room, I certainly never experienced it.

I had the unique opportunity to grow up seeing him through the eyes of his children who clearly loved and adored him. It’s obvious that he’s been your hero from day one, with good reason.

When I got to high school, of course I signed up for Coach Soukup’s aerobics class for my PE credit. He cared enough to give us girls an opportunity to enjoy PE again, by adding this class to his list of responsibilities, and he was right there, every day, doing step aerobics along with us. I can still hear him scolding me for slacking on my sit-ups, “Is that all you got, Davey?” He treated us with the same kindness, playfulness and respect as any of his varsity players.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you continue grieve his loss with as many smiles as there are tears, and find comfort in the countless memories that you have of this incredible man who you are able to call your dad and husband.

WE LOVE GEORGE!!!!!!Everytime I would go outside and see him, I would say Hi George and he would say back, Hi Macy, How are you!!!We are so glad he shared Kelsie and Jeff with us through all the babysitting they did for us!!!!!Paula we are always here for you and you can call us anytime!!!We love you too!!!

Coach Soukup touch a lot of lives and influenced many people. He always made me feel important. He had a way of letting you know he noticed you. These little things spoke volumns about his character. He will be missed.

WE LOVE GEORGE!!! At my house I would see him outside and yell Hi George and he would say Hi Macy! How are you. He was a very kind and gentle nice man. We will miss him dearly and thanks for being my babysitter Kelsie and Jeff we loved it!!!Paula we are always here for you and you can call us any time we love you too!!!

How could you not love Coach Soukup. He touched so many people in so many ways. I was so saddended when I heard of your loss. We should all be so fortunate to have known such a great man. He was a friend as well as a teacher. Whenever anyone asks who was your favorite teacher. The answer is always Coach Soukup!

I will never forget when we started ballroom dance. I was always the one he picked out to be his partner. Probably because I was the worst. He showed us the "Pretzel". To this day I am still doing the Pretzel! When the football season started approaching he always wanted me to tryout and be the Quarterback. I thought he was crazy. During gym class when we had raquetball, tennis or badminton tournaments he would always put me in the boys brackets. I asked him why and he said "Denz, that is just the way it is". He was always pushing us to be the best that we could be.

He will be missed by many. My thought and prayers go out to you.

MHS class of '90

I have very fond memories of Coach Soukup. He was not only my teacher and coach going back to 1968 at West Jr. High, he was one of the few from that time that touched my life forever. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Coach Soukup was a great mentor and role model to the many young people he touched throughout his life. I had the previledge of having him as my 7th grade Social studies teacher, Phy Ed teacher, 9th Grade basketball coach and varsity football coach. He not only motivated me to be the best I could be as an athlete but instilled in me a code of conduct that has guided me through life. Every time I attend a meeting or any type of event I can still hear the words he often shouted..."If you're not 5min early, your LATE!" He will live on in the many he has touched. God bless
Ladd Langum MHS '80

I have many memories of Coach Soukup from the basketball court to the football field, but the thing I'll remember most is his creativity for the substitute curse :) Coach was a great man, with a big heart. The Soukup family's loss is heaven's awesome gain. Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire Soukup family.
-Smitty

I had the GREAT pleasure of playing for coach Soukup in 1987 and although I was a bench player at best, he always made me feel that I was a important part of the team.
He has influenced not only the way I lead I my life, but how I deal with the students under my care.
He will be missed & mourned

We are very sorry to hear of Coach George's passing. George was a great mentor, teacher, roll model, coach and most of all - true friend to all his students and athletes. George made a difference for all of us and will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Matt Quinn and Family - MHS 88

To the Soukup family:

We were very saddened to hear of George's passing. I know my parents (Larry and Judy Smith) kept in touch with George and Paula over the years that followed my graduation in 1979. In fact, it was Paula who taught our late brother, Steve, to read.

I still appreciate Coach Soukup allowing me to roam the sidelines at at Skipper Stadium to do the PA announcing of our football games! A special memory, to be sure. On behalf of "Doc" and Judy Smith, our sincere condolences.

Paula - We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers - we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss George up at the lake, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Andrea and Dave Scamehorn
Mary and Dave Marklevits

To The Soukup Family,
Nancy & I are so sorry to hear of George's passing. We too were students of his at MHS and he was truly one of our favorites- It was always a challenge to pass him in the hallway without getting checked into a locker. He always took time with everyone- not just those that played varsity sports.
I'm sure Rick will be happy to see him again!

To The Soukup Family,
To say that it was an honor to be on the faculty with George is an understatement. From West Junior High School to Minnetonka Senior, he was always there to serve as a mentor, a friend and one of the first I would see in the hallways every day. He achieved what many only dream of, he touched and formed the lives of those he loved, his students. He will live on in the memory of many.

Paula & kids & Brian & family,
To say the world has lost a great man is an understatement. George was such a great friend to my parents and played a huge role in their lives. I remember when Microwaves were the hot new gadget to have, my mom bought my dad one for his birthday. She was going to buy a counter top model but George talked her into buying the one that goes under the vent hood. George came over and installed it and tied a big red bow on it. As always my mom could have cared less about a kitchen appliance but my dad loved it. George also put the deck and porch on our house when I was in college. I complained that he was interferring with my tanning space, so he built a small platform for me to lounge on and literally built the deck around me. The trip you two took with my parents every year were great memories they treasured. Don't forget your fat clothes for the cruise George. I remembered dancing with George at my brothers wedding. Everyone made a circle around us cheering us on. I have never had such a work out! George always had a kind word to say and was always smiling. Know that the memories he gave the Pratt family will always be treasured. We're all thinking of you. The Mary Lee & Kenn Pratt family.

The entire Cohen family was fortunate to have spent many great times with Coach Soukup over the years. Personally, as my PE teacher, Bball and FB coach, Coach took the time to get to know me while also motivating me to be my best with his many rousing pep talks (Geez, Cohen - run that guy over next time, son of a buck!) As a fellow coach on the Minnetonka FB staff, Coach valued everyone's feedback, had a great passion for kids and was a fun loving guy to work with. He helped to shape who I am as a teacher and coach. George has touched many lives and will be remembered as someone who made a difference! To the entire Soukup family - you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris Cohen and family

Our prayers for you and your family. The memories George left us with will last forever. It was a privelege to be his classmate.

Dear Paula and Family,

I was so deeply saddened by the news of coach's death. Just recently someone asked me who my favorite teachers were. In 18 years of study, I came up with several, but three in particular impacted my life's direction and richly colored my memories of my education. Coach definately made the top three.

While my memories of coach are many, one in particular makes me smile. I recall learning ballroom dance in coach's gym class in '78 at West, where I had the honor of often being his partner for the waltz and swing dancing. I confess, I was smitten.

I believe he always saw the best in me, and in everyone around him. Now, even though 25-years have passed since I last saw him, his influence remains.

Peace and many blessings to you,
- Elizabeth Cabalka
(MHS Class of '82)

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Soukup. He was my aerobics teacher at Mtka. Highschool, 10 years ago now. I know that every one of his students was touched by him, and lucky to have him as their teacher.
My love, prayers, and deepest sympathies

I had the honor of having George Soukup as my teacher 15 years ago at Minnetonka High School. I have, and always will, remember him fondly as my favorite teacher of all time, an incredible mentor, and a great friend. I know we have all benefited from having George in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. We will all miss him.

our thoughts and prayers with are with the whole family.

The Soukup Family:

He was a great man and had a profound affect on my life even though it was many years ago. You should be very proud that he was your husband/father.

I first met him in 1966 at West Junior High. I believe that this may have been his first teaching job. In addition to being my physical education teacher, he was also my 8th grade hockey coach - even though he could not skate. Although at that time I had very limited skills as well since it was my first attempt at organized hockey. I recall that I was at somewhat of a crossroads in my life in that I had started to hang out with the dark side of the student body. It was his influence that kept me on the straight and narrow and created a life long passion for sports and the desire to excel.

I recall the 8th grade hockey team all pitched in to buy a Minnetonka letter jacket for him to show our appreciation for all that he had done for us.

I went on to Captain the Minnetonka hockey team and Middlebury College. After graduating from college I played hockey professionally in Europe and then went to law school. I am now a lawyer in Seattle.

My brother, Dave, played football for Coach Soukup and had a great relationship with him as well.

Thank you Coach Soukup. You will be missed.

Coach Soukup's family,

I grew up across the street from Coach Soukup in Minnetonka and used to babysit Brian. From our dining room window we always marveled at Coach Soukup's boundless energy. He could have the lawn mowed, the car washed and the house painted -- all before 10 o'clock on a Saturday morning. Who moves that fast while mowing the lawn?

Though he was the head football coach at Minnetonka H.S., I could not tell you whether we had winning seasons or not. What I do remember is that Minnetonka had THE most handsome coach ever with that million dollar smile and spirited soul. Was anyone really watching the game?

If Coach had any regrets, it is probably that I was his sometimes bowling parter, when no one else was available, in the neighborhood bowling league. I'm pretty sure he secretly wanted a do-over, but he was always most gracious about my less-than-encouraging results.

George lived and moved with purpose and I usually saw him in a hurry to do whatever it was he was doing. But it seems the end came just way too fast. I am so very sorry for your loss. It is a loss for all of us who consider ourselves fans.

My deepest sympathy.

Souks,

It was an honor to know you and to play for and coach by your side. I am so fortunate to have so many fond memories of you and the great man that you were. You will be greatly missed.

Soukup Family - You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Paula & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We already miss George's presence in the neighborhood -- seeing him out for walks with Kailey and in the driveway washing all the vehicles! He would have loved the weather this weekend. He will be missed.
The Froemmings (Bob, Renae, Connor, Peyton & Buddy)

Paula and family:
We grieve with you the loss of an incredible mentor and compassionate person. Coach Soukup was the varsity football coach for both of my boys, Mike and Mark Moe. He was a great coach but an even greater friend, who believed that making good citizens was much more important than making good football players. George stayed with my children when my husband and I went on vacation. He would get up every day at 4:30 to make my breakfast for my daughter, Aimee, who was picked up at 5:00 to figure skate. We will all really miss him, and our prayers for comfort, encouragement and God's peace go out to your entire family.

Daddy- I love you so much!!!! I miss you so much!!!!! Your my Guardian Angel!!!!

Your families are in our thoughts and prayers. George will be sadly missed. We have very fond memories.

you will always be my "teenage idol"...thanks for everything and thanks for all of your time and patience...i will miss you dearly...but i know you're resting peacefully now and you arent suffering anymore!!!i love you...thanks for the memories

Soukup's,
On behalf of my family, we are very sad to hear about George passing away. The world lost a great man, father, friend, and coach! Please let me know if there is anything we can do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

The OHS Class of '56 (Owatonna MN) wishes to extend their sympathies to George's family. Our prayers are with you!

He was one classy athlete and gentleman! We will all miss him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

In loving memory of a wonderful Father, Father-in-law and Grandfather, we love you and will miss you!

Jeff and Family -
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.