In Memory of Steven George Souček

Steve was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Henry Souček and Victory Ptak Souček. He came from a strong Czech cultural heritage, being second generation Czech. His grandparents were born in Bohemia, later to become Czechoslovakia. He was raised with a love and appreciation of his culture and music. When his parents separated he and his older brother were mainly raised in Washington, Iowa by his father and stepmother. He graduated from University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in music education.

Steve moved to Seattle to teach elementary classroom music in the Highline School District. He met his wife, Gerry, when he auditioned for the Seattle Chorale. Together they sang in the Seattle Chorale, Leonard Moore Chorale and Meistersinger Chorale. They were married May 25, 1974. They were active in the Music Ministry at Highlands Community Church singing in the choir and playing in the handbell choir. They adopted their daughter Victoria from Bolivia.

They moved their worship to Bellevue Presbyterian Church where again they were active in the Music Ministry singing in the Chancel Choir and playing in the handbell choir. Steve also sang in an ensemble and directed one of the handbell choirs. Steve participated in two Music Ministry Abroad tours which included Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Italy. Steve also sang with the Mid-day Melody Men, a barbershop chorus. Steve and Gerry were founders of Bells of the Sound where Steve was their first director and they were charter members of Emerald City Ringers.

Steve was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and started kidney hemodialysis in 2008. Through Northwest Kidney Centers, Steve and Gerry trained to perform his hemodialysis at home, which they were able to do until his death.

Steve is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Gerry Cosby Souček, his daughter Victoria Souček; brothers Stan Souček, Jan Sedláček, and Karel Sedláček; sisters Jean Gloyer, Marie Sedláček, and Victory Sedláček. He is predeceased by his father Henry Souček, stepmother Laurie Souček, mother Victory Ptak Sedláček, and stepfather Karel Sedláček.

Remembrances may be made to Northwest Kidney Centers.

A memorial celebrating Steve’s life and love of music will be held October 30, 2016 at 2:00 at Bellevue Presbyterian Church.