Ronald Lynn Soennichsen (July 20, 1938 - September 29, 2023)

On September 29, 2023, Ron Soennichsen, 85 years old, left for his next journey. Traveling down an open road, along a yellow line that never ends, with the good Lord by his side.

Ronald Lynn Soennichsen was born to George and Anna (Mahlum) Soennichsen on July 20, 1938. He joined three older sisters, Alice, Glenna and Darlene. There were many recollections of him being spoiled as a child, but what would one expect as he was the firstborn son. As Ron grew, so did his family. He would eventually be one of eight children. He welcomed siblings, Carol, George, Danny and Donnie.

Ron was raised on a farm located North of Saco. He was no stranger to hard work and tough times. Ron had a disposition for mischief as a boy. He and his partner in crime, sister Darlene, spent many days riding horses and playing pranks on siblings. Ron would decide to leave regular education for the school of hard knocks. Lucky for him, he was a fast learner and a hard worker. Ron would start a dirt-moving business with his brother-in-law Ralph Korman. This decision would lead him to his future role in life as a businessman.

Ron had piercing blue eyes and movie-star good looks. He was a true gentleman and a charmer. It was no surprise to anyone when he soon had a wife. In 1963 Ron married Nancy Plouffe. With this union, Ron was blessed with his God-given role of being a father. Nancy and Ron had three daughters, Rhonda, Terri and KayDel. Although the marriage came to an end, Ron continued to be a good provider for his girls and was always there for them whenever they needed him.

Life would bring love to Ron again, and in 1978 Ron met his life partner, Candee Coleman. They were married on October 29, 1980. With this union, he gained two children, Ray and Janni. Ron and Candee loved, fought, and worked together all of their time as husband and wife. Together they ran RS Trucking and Brokerage and the CS Bus Service.

It was the bus service that got Ron his lasting nickname among many Malta school kids, "The Tootsie Roll Man." Ron always had a smile and a tootsie roll in his vest pocket, not just for kids, but for anyone who needed a pick-me-up.

In his later years, Ron continued to be the backbone of his family. He loved being a grandpa and great-grandpa. His grandkids talk fondly of how supportive he was, never missing one of their activities. Ron was a generous man and loved making his rounds visiting family, handing out his scored sale items and vegetables from his garden. Ron enjoyed gardening, as well as searching out the best bargain or sale. He had a real love for working. He was an excellent mechanic, he repaired all of his own trucks, buses and vehicles. He took time to teach his grandsons these skills as well.

It is hard for us to say goodbye to the man with the best stories. Ron always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and a red vest pocket full of tootsie rolls and pretzels. We will miss his always positive outlook on life, and constant care for those he loved.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of forty-three years, Candee Soennichsen, and daughters Rhonda Waters, Terri Cole, KayDel (Del) Stiles, and Ray (Ann) Harms and Janni (John) Wiese. Sister Carol (Howard) Pippen and brother George Soennichsen. Grandchildren, Shade Stiles, Jaren Stiles, Baxter Waters, Dane Stiles, Sascha Lulloff, Mercedes Simanton, Satchel Cole, Eli Waters, Sophia Stiles, TaChante Cole, Lashyiah, Miquela, and Chevelle Stiles. Amber Colburn, Noah Harms, Caleb Harms, Austin Wiese, Ethan Wiese, Eva Harms, Aidan Simanton, Emma Harms, Anna Harms. Great Grandkids, Tucker, Owen, Izzy, Brixlee, Tavi, Tylo, Zaya, Vada, Taio, Sia, Pharo, Savvy, Saint, Siva, Soenix, Scarlett, Trafton, Scotlen, Sorhen, Lily, Ivy, Willow, Jaxson, Eiven, Eizek, Samuel, Lotti, Hendrik, Halyn, Harley, Skylan, and Silvre.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Anna Soennichsen, sisters Alice Korman, Darlene Arnold, and Glenna Ehret; brothers Dannie Soennichsen, and Donnie Soennichsen. His son-in-law Jeff Waters as well as many nieces and nephews dear to his heart.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 4th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Wilderness Funeral Home. Luncheon to follow at the Vets Club.