As a successful orchard farmer whose word was his bond, Warren Soergel and his family embraced a work ethic whose roots dated to 1850.
That was the year John Conrad Soergel, a German immigrant, established Soergel Orchards on 40 acres of land in Franklin Park. It was the beginning of a family tradition.
"As kids, we all worked in the orchard," said Linda Voll of Evans City, Warren Soergel's daughter. "When my brothers were using the trucks, Dad placed blocks of wood on the pedals so they could reach the pedals.
Warren A. Soergel of Franklin Park, owner/operator of Soergel Orchards Inc. and former president of the Pennsylvania Fruit and Vegetable Organization, died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010, in Good Samaritan Hospice in Marshall. He was 86.
Today, Soergel Orchards stretches over 470 acres and employs more than 150 part-time helpers.
Voll recalled how her father's customers liked him for his business ethics and how his employees admired him for the way he worked alongside them. "They felt more like family members than employees," she said.
"Dad was also a charitable man, who, upon hearing of a family that was facing difficult times, made sure they received produce from the orchard."
Mr. Soergel was born and raised in Franklin Park, one of four children in the family of Alfred and Marie Uhlenburg Soergel.
In 1942, after graduating from Perry High School in the North Side, Mr. Soergel joined his father and began his career as a respected businessman. While attending a dance in Millvale, he met C. Jean Krapp of Millvale, whom he married in 1949.
Voll recalled her parents' commitment to Trinity Lutheran Church in Franklin Park, where Mr. Soergel worshipped as a boy. "We attended services every Sunday, and as kids we went to Sunday school."
In addition to his wife, Jean, and daughter, Linda, Mr. Soergel is survived by his sons, Richard Soergel of Marshall, Randy Soergel of Franklin Park and Reed Soergel of Prospect; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Martha Jean Murray of Zelienople and Susanne Miller of Sewickley.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Herbert Soergel.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in Herbert J. King Jr. Funeral Home Inc., 2841 Woodland Circle, Hampton.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Trinity Lutheran Church, 2500 Brandt School Road, Franklin Park, with Pastor Fred Schenker officiating.
Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.
