Obituary for Michael Earl Soto

Michael Earl Soto
March 28, 1957 – November 17, 2021
On November 17, 2021, Michael Earl Soto was set free from his battle with congestive heart failure.  As heartbroken as we all are, we are at peace knowing that he is free from pain and suffering. Michael was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.  Above all, he was a devoted husband to Janet, his wife since December 31, 2015.  Michael was born March 28, 1957, in Orange County, California, to Earl and Beverly Soto. He was a middle child of six children, but unlike many shy middle children, Michael always made his presence known. His early life was spent in Buena Park. Later,he attended Newport Harbor High School and also did a stint at Orange Coast College where he displayed his remarkable talent for singing and acting. To this day, people still comment on his spectacular performance playing Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Michael was a passionate cook and nothing gave him greater joy than cooking meals for family and friends. He loved the music of the 60’s and 70’s, especially stars such as Stevie Wonder and Earth Wind and Fire. He was always striving to hit those high notes with the singers and he could do it!  Until his illness prevented him, Michael worked in the graphic printing industry. In his later years, Michael moved to Ohio where he met his beloved wife, Janet. Together they built a life which was centered on their faith, family, and friends.
Michael has many family members who will miss him including his children: Angela (Rob) Heimbrock, Deanna Soto from his former wife, Julie Brown Collins, and Beverly Whipple from his former wife, Stephanie Blair; and step-children: Stephanie (Ryan) Humphrey, Nathan (Joni) Frankel, Valerie (Ryan) Covert. His grandchildren include: Nick, Natalie, Cougar, and Sebastian; step-grandchildren: Shandi, Heather, Natalie, Chasetan, Logan, Kodiak, and Lillith, step-great grandchildren, Gavin, Rylan, and Fallon. His siblings include: Cheryl Barrett, Donna Soto-Morettini, Ron Soto, Kimberly (Matt) Sharifi, and Melissa (Meryl) Soto-Schwartz, and step-siblings: Cheryl (John) Petry and Wesley (Donna) Martin. Also included, are many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Beverly Soto, and wife Sharon.
Memorial Services for Michael will be held at Schindewolf-Stout-Crates Funeral Home, Kenton, Ohio on Saturday, December 4 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will precede the service from 11:00 to 1:00 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, Kenton or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day Until the trees and seas just up and fly away…
I will be loving you…..ALWAYS
Stevie Wonder