Ethel (Saffer) Soesbe, 96, of Park Vista in Camanche, formerly of Clinton passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, at MercyOne Hospital, Clinton, Iowa after a brief illness. The Memorial Mass will be Saturday, October 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Clinton. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. before the service at the church on Saturday. A luncheon will be held for family and friends at Rastrelli’s Restaurant after the service. Per Ethel’s wishes her body was donated for medical education and research to The University of Iowa, College of Medicine. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clinton Humane Society, the Clinton County Historical Society or to the family for a memorial in her name. Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and remembrances may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www.papefh.com.
Ethel Saffer was born at Mercy Hospital, Clinton, on September 10, 1927, the daughter of Clyde J. and Irma F. (Schwarz) Saffer. She graduated from Lyons High School in Clinton in 1945. Ethel married Robert J. “Bob” Soesbe, Sr. on August 23, 1947 at Our Lady of Angels Academy in Clinton. Ethel was with the Clinton Humane Society for thirty years. Ethel was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. She was a member of the Clinton County Historical Society, the Clinton Humane Society, the Telephone Pioneers, the Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 0238, the Citizens Emergency Response Team, Friends of the Clinton Public Library and the American Association of Retired Persons’ Clinton County Chapter. She was a past secretary of the State Federation of Humane Societies, a former vice president and a board member of the Clinton Women’s Club, a central committee member of the Clinton County Democrats and a former secretary for the Clinton Federated Women. She was a proud member of The Women’s Health Initiative. The Clinton Humane Society honored Ethel by naming the Ethel Soesbe Education Center.
Ethel was inducted into the Clinton County Democrats Hall of Fame. She was named the 2008 Civic/Community Woman of Achievement. Ethel’s hobbies included reading, including three daily newspapers, and keeping up on local and political issues. She cared for many small dogs through the years.
Ethel is lovingly remembered by her nine children, Patricia A. (David A.) Nichols, David J. Soesbe, Thomas M. Soesbe, Kathryn A. (Marvin) Musch, Steven P. Soesbe and Mary C. Soesbe, all of Clinton, Philip C. Soesbe of Baton Rouge, LA, Robert J. Soesbe Jr. of Port St. Lucie, FL, and James A. (Carmen) Soesbe of Fulton, IL; 21 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.