Racine – David H. Soens Sr., 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 19, 2012.

A lifetime resident, Dave was born in Racine on November 27, 1935 to the late Peter and Dagmar (nee: Jacobsen) Soens. A graduate of St. Edward's Grade School and St. Catherine's High School, he went on to faithfully serve our country with the United States Army in Maryland, where he also played league baseball as a star athlete. While serving with the Army, he met the love of his life, Mary F. (nee: Smith) Soens.  Falling head over heals for her, Dave and Mary were married the same day he was discharged from the Army in Hyattsville, MD on January 12, 1957.

They returned to Racine to start their family and Dave began a longtime career with Western Publishing as a lithographer.   He was a dedicated member of St. Lucy Catholic Church where he taught CCD with Mary and initiated a 'guitar mass' by recruiting some of the top music talent in the parish to participate.  Dave parlayed his baseball career with the Racine Redbirds into coaching his children's ball teams for many years. He organized many golf outings and loved camping with family and friends.  He was also a skilled handyman known for projects ranging from woodworking to building garages.

Surviving are his children, David (Gina) Soens of Natick, MA; Michael Soens of Milwaukee; Rick Soens of Pompano Beach, FL; Sherri Soens of Racine and Christopher (Sheri) Soens of Lakeville, MN; grandchildren, Melissa, Mariah, Joseph, Natalie, William, Samantha and Rylie; great-grandson, Kayden; brothers, Ronald (Nora) Soens and James (Lynne) Soens; sister, Suzanne Soens; brother-in-law, Frederick (Judy) Smith; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, on February 22, 2011; Mary's parents, E. Walter and Frances (nee: Fay) Smith; and by his brother-in-law, Walter (Kaye) Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 11 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-7 pm and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 am. Private entombment will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In memory of Dave, memorials to one's favorite charity have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support given to our Dad in his time of need.