Lloyd William Sodawasser

Lloyd William Sodawasser, 95, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at HallMar Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Funeral Mass will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. John Catholic Church in Coggon, Iowa. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Coggon.

Lloyd was born on August 18, 1929, in Guttenberg, Iowa, the son of William and Florence (Wolter) Sodawasser. He was a 1947 graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Guttenberg and went on to work as a laborer. Lloyd served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he served 11 months at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, nine months in Japan, and three months on Koje-do Island where he helped guard 10,000 prisoners. On December 28, 1954, Lloyd was united in marriage to Darlene Ann Schute in Guttenberg. In 1957, he graduated from the University of Iowa with his master’s in education. He began his teaching and coaching career in 1957 at Volga High School. In 1961, he moved on to Coggon High School, and in 1966, he joined North Linn High School, where he taught, coached, and was the athletic director, until his retirement in 1995. From 1968 to 2006, he served as the Tri-Rivers Conference Athletic Director and was the first Athletic Director chosen by the conference.

Lloyd and Darlene enjoyed woodworking; together, they hand-crafted many special pieces for their family and friends over the years. Known for his kindness and honesty, Lloyd was a devoted teacher who left a lasting impression on countless students over his remarkable 50-year career in education. His impact on the lives of young people was profound and enduring. In addition to his commitment to teaching, Lloyd enjoyed various hobbies, including golfing, fishing, and antiquing.

Lloyd is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Darlene of Marion; sons, Steve (Jill) Sodawasser of Alburnett, Iowa, Phil (Ann) Sodawasser of New Vienna, Iowa, and Kent (Sara) Sodawasser of Marion; grandchildren, Jana (Isaac) Schoff of Walford, Iowa, Kayla (Alex) Burkle of Mitchellville, Iowa, Ashley (Ben) Johannsen of Dubuque, Iowa, Jon Sodawasser (Tabitha Cain) of Dubuque, David Sodawasser of Marion, Andrew Sodawasser of Marion, and Rachel Sodawasser (fiancé Cole Goerdt) of Cedar Rapids; and five great-grandsons, Joseph, Jet, Ivan, William, and Lloyd. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials in Lloyd’s memory may be directed to St. Johns Catholic Church in Coggon, the Coggon Opera House, or to the family. 

Also, the family would like to thank all the great care providers, especially care teams from Right at Home, Summit Pointe and HallMar Village.