Truman Philip Sogge

Truman Philip Sogge, of Pine Island, MN (formerly of Kasson, MN), was called to his eternal home in Heaven on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

He was born on December 4, 1931, in Kandiyohi County, MN, he was known for his love for the Lord, love for his church, incredible musical talent, true friendship, quick wit, mischievous wink, kindness to everyone, and most of all, his enduring devotion to and unconditional love for his family. Even those who knew him only a short time were impacted by his genuine humility and integrity. Granddaughter Shauna Van Buskirk recalled his sweet, non-judgmental nature, saying, “He was a man who loved and accepted people and was genuinely interested in all who crossed his path.”

As a boy, Truman endured the hardships of living in a big family during the Great Depression. The ninth-born of ten children, Truman learned to make faith a priority, work hard, and live honestly. Truman attended country school through the eighth grade and went to high school for six weeks, but he ultimately left school to work on the farm. He attended Morris Ag School (now University of Minnesota - Morris) for two years where he played in the orchestra and sang in the choir. Truman enlisted in the Army in 1951 and soon went overseas to fight as a soldier in the Korean War. Though he rarely spoke about his time in the war, he never spoke of the military honors he received. Unbeknownst to the family until after his passing, Truman was a decorated combat veteran, receiving the Korean Service Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge. After finishing his time in the service in August of ‘54, he came back to Spicer, MN and hauled grain for Green Lake Grass and Seed. He eventually moved south to Kasson and worked as a farmhand for Beryl Zwemke, a man he had worked for before going into the army. After waiting for 12 years for Beryl's daughter, he married the only love of his life, Helen “Sue” (Zwemke) Sogge, on April 12, 1963. Truman hauled cars and Sue was a school teacher. After living in several cities in the Midwest, he and Sue moved back to Kasson to run Zwemke Music, eventually making it a full-time piano restoration business. Truman also learned how to tune pianos and became a sought-after tuner in the area. Truman and Sue taught guitar lessons for many years as well. Truman also taught accordion, banjo, bass, fiddle, and even the steel guitar. Even in the weeks before his death, he would see people around town who knew who he was. We would hear, “Hey, Truman!” and very often it was a former student of his from the late 1970s or 1980s. There's no telling how many lives he impacted as a music instructor.

In 1974, Truman, along with his wife Sue (who played the bass), started the Sounds of Praise Quartet, a group that sang traditional hymns and old favorites in the southern gospel style. The Sounds of Praise became well-known throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, singing at churches, festivals, fairs, and other community events. Truman often spoke fondly of his time singing in the quartet and enjoyed the camaraderie he shared with the other members and their families.

Truman was also an active member at First Baptist Church in Kasson. He attended church regularly until he could no longer leave his assisted living facility due to his failing health. He served the church as a deacon and joyfully did countless special music numbers on Sunday mornings. Whether playing a solo on the violin, singing in an ensemble, or accompanying on the piano, Truman was asked often to share his musical gifts. He encouraged so many with his musical talent and willingness to bless others.

A dedicated father, Truman loved sharing his passion for music with his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories that they all cherish. Both of his daughters are active musicians and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren sing and enjoy music. This is just one of the family’s treasured legacies of Truman.

Truman is survived by his loving daughters, Heather (Troy Sr) Van Buskirk of Pine Island, MN, and Heidi (Brian) Brasher of Kasson, MN; his grandchildren, Mikayla (Levi) Schultz of Minneapolis, MN, Shauna Van Buskirk of Rochester, MN, Troy Jr (Rebekah) Van Buskirk of Rochester, MN, Elizabeth “Ellie” Brasher, Gibson Truman Brasher, and Judah Brasher of Kasson, MN; great-grandchildren Brynn Van Buskirk, Judd Truman Van Buskirk, Isabelle Schultz, and great-grandchild number four due in August 2026; over 20 beloved nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Faith Zwemke of Vadnais Heights, MN and brother-in-law Charlie Sinnwell of Kasson, MN.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Sue, and all of his siblings.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 304 4th St NW in Kasson, MN with a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Truman's honor to the First Baptist Church of Kasson or to the family.

Blessed be his memory.