Richard Soderquist, 77, was born in Turlock to Edwin and Ella Soderquist.  He attended Hawthorne Grammar School, Wakefield Junior High, and graduated from Turlock High School in 1957. 

At 17, Richard bought his beloved 1954 Mercury, and after being restored by Gene Winfield it won many awards at numerous car shows.  Richard was also a member of a high school car club known as “Cranks.” After high school, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, he worked in intelligence.  In 1961 he returned to Turlock and married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Beatty.

Richard bought Soderquist Hatchery from his father in 1970, and soon after he also purchased Della’s Dress Shop in downtown Turlock.  Within a year it became known as Miss Margie’s Fashions, and was later renamed Expressions and Express For Less.

In the last twenty years Richard opened Yesterday’s Expressions Antiques store on S. Center St., which eventually became Main St. Antiques at Main and Golden State, his former dress shop He was a fan of Oakland Raiders football and March Madness, and enjoyed travel to his favorite destinations—Hawaii, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz.  He treasured his time spent with family and friends.

In retirement, Richard became an online entrepreneur, which earned him a reputation as being one of the largest record retailers on Ebay.  It was a vocation and hobby he enjoyed until losing his battle with Leukemia on May 7th. 

Richard is survived by children Sheri (Randy) LaCross, Teresa Benedict, and Rick Soderquist, and grandchildren Travis LaCross, Bergen Benedict, and Braden Benedict.  He also leaves sisters Carmen Fransen and Joanne Ryan.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sat., May 21, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock.  Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Sun., May 22, at the same location.  Private entombment will take place at Turlock Memorial Park.