Lawrence Soder was born in 1953 to parents Martha (Davis) and Carl Soder.  He joined sister Shirley and brothers Wayne and Stan.

He grew up on the family farm outside of Stratford helping there and also with the family beekeeping business, Soder Apiaries.  He graduated high school in 1972 in Stratford.

Lawrence loved to travel and spent many happy times in and out of the country.  In 1984 he met and married his wife Jennifer with whom he shared nearly 40 years along with his daughter Eraka.  Lawrence and Jennifer's daughter Chelsey joined the clan in 1986.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; daughter Chelsey (Addison) Soder, step-daughter, Megan (Chad) Silliman and children, Trayton, (Sierra) Hockemeier, Trey Hockemeier and Sophie Hockemeier, daughter, Eraka (Ryan) McCulla and children Alivia, Ross, Ava, Rhys, Amelia and River; sister, Shirley Hooper and nephews John Hooper and Steve Hooper.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Martha Soder and brothers Wayne and Stan Soder.

Lawrence spent many years driving a truck and in the later years he and daughter Chelsey brought back the family beekeeping business.  For 20 years they sold honey at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market and various stores and restaurants in the area.  Lawrence will be remembered for his love of his family and friends, his strong faith in God, his kind, gentle and quirky spirit.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Lawrence will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, November 10th, 2024 at The Hive at Busy Bee in Indianola.  All are welcome.