B.J. (Brian Jeffrey) Soma left us unexpectedly on May 5, 2020, at the age of 43. B.J. was a loving father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He was a 1995 graduate of Fillmore Central High School. B.J. served his country in the U.S. Army as an Armor Crewman, Tanker division, as well as the Army Reserve. He served overseas In Operation Desert Fox, and was a proud member of the American Legion and the VFW. B.J. earned honors in the military such as the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Lapel Button and the Expert Badge for Pistol and Grenade. B.J. also served his community as a police officer in both Athens, Ga., and The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department.
B.J. loved hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. His perpetual smile, gregarious and kindhearted nature will be bound to his memory.
He is survived by his parents Jeff and Barb Soma; his daughter Bailey Soma; fiancé Joy Rindels (Jackson and Zackary); sisters Michele Gatzke (Blaine), and Lori Soma (Andy Jacobson); brother Joel Soma (Sarah); nephews and nieces Matt Gatzke (Stephanie), Dan Gatzke and Katie Gatzke; Joy’s parents Terry and Kaynel Rindels; aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.
B.J. will be laid to rest at the Preston Veterans Cemetery. Please consider memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Heart Association.