John Soflin
John Soflin
Nov. 17, 1949 – March 3, 2020
John Soflin, 70, of Lexington, died peacefully at his home Tuesday, March 3, 2020, after a 13-year fiercely fought battle with cancer. John’s wishes to be cremated after visitation will be honored.
John, the youngest of three brothers, was born to Fred Sr and Mary (VanWinkle) Soflin Nov. 17, 1949, in Lincoln. He was baptized and confirmed in the First United Lutheran Church of Lincoln. He graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1967 and attended UNL for a year before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. John was stationed in San Diego to complete training as a Radioman at the Adak, Alaska, Naval Station before completing two tours of duty in Viet Nam. As with many Viet Nam veterans, he rarely spoke of his experiences aboard ship supporting military operations there until recent years. He was proud of his military service and ultimately paid the price of repeated exposure to Agent Orange.
Following his honorable discharge in July, 1973, John returned to UNL to pursue a degree in business administration. The following year, John met the love of his life, Donna Krajnik, at a Valentine’s Day party, and they were married the following year on Aug. 16, 1975, in Ord. They lived in Omaha for one year while John finished his degree and Donna completed a residency in Hospital Pharmacy at University Hospital. In July, 1976, the couple moved to Lexington where Donna accepted the position of Director of Pharmacy at the newly-completed Tri-County Area Hospital (now LRHC). John was first employed, briefly, at CIT Financial Services, collecting delinquent loan payments. Over the next 23 years, he became Business Manager for Hodges Chevrolet, Crozier Ford, Harvestore and Schmidt & Associates.
With courage and encouragement John left his business manager career in 2000 to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher and coach. He enrolled at UNK as a 50-year-old non-traditional student. Two years later, with teaching and coaching certificates in hand, he was given the opportunity to substitute teach in the Lexington Public Schools and become a member of the coaching staff for the Lexington varsity boys’ basketball and middle school football programs. It was the career he should have had his entire life. Coaching gave John purpose, a sense of meaningful work and a great deal of personal satisfaction knowing he made a difference in many young men’s lives. He always encouraged the players with positive reinforcement and a “can do” attitude, building their confidence and teamwork. When John was diagnosed with cancer the team dedicated their next season to him with the theme “Soflin Strong” and the following year with the theme “Forever Soflin Strong.” John was proud to serve as a role model and mentor to students and he highly prized cards, letters, calls and visits he received from them years later, expressing their gratitude for his advocacy. In March, 2012, he was awarded the NSIAAA Outstanding Service to Nebraska High School Sports Award.
John’s second sports-related passion was assisting with KRVN Radio’s broadcasting of high school sports events, including baseball, football and basketball, as the “color” man.
John and Donna became members of the United Methodist Church upon moving to Lexington. John was an avid University of Nebraska sports fan, having season tickets to football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball. He loved attending the games with his wife, friends and family members. College football and basketball were his favorite television viewing. Most of all, John enjoyed spending time at home with his wife and feline kids, as well as with friends and family.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Donna; brother Bob (Lisa) Soflin, McCook; sisters-in-law Carlene (Ron) Litz, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Carol Soflin, Seward, and Carolyn Fetterly, Lincoln; brother-in-law Duane Krajnik (Donna Bentley); nieces and nephews Rob (Billie) Soflin, Lincoln; Jim Soflin, Lincoln; Kathy (Patrick) Runyan, Seward; Shawn (Tammy) Krajnik, Ord; Melanie Boden (Ord); Robert (Rachel) Litz, Lexington Park, Maryland; Brian (Reyna) Litz, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Abby and Jamie O’Bryne, McCook; Jennifer (Guy) Lewis, Ord, and many cousins, grand-nieces and nephews, a host of friends and John’s feline soulmate of 16 years “Flash.”
John was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, brother, Fred Soflin and sister-in-law, Laureen Krajnik.
A service celebrating John’s life was Saturday, March 7, at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington, with the Rev. Rob Kuefner officiating. Burial was Monday, March 9, 2020, at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to RuralMed Hospice, the Lexington Volunteer Fire Dept. or the Lexington Community Foundation John Soflin Basketball Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
