March 12,2026 South Bend - We gather today to honor the Dead. What greater tribute can we, as living beings participating in this great adventure of life, offer to those who pass the final veil but to remember them. To celebrate not just their character, or their accomplishments, but to acknowledge and celebrate that fact that they, like us, were just weary pilgrims discovering the creation along side us. Much of humanity discovers the struggle of the ultimate question, that of the nature of death, only by the tragedy of death itself. They learn to understand only in the midst of grief. And perhaps for them the lessons that death teaches arrive to them only after the fog of grief and the pain of loss give way to the realization that life must continue. We should only look upon that unfortunate process with compassion. Treat the symptoms only with Love.

On Sunday, October 19, the members of the South Bend Valley gathered at the majestic Scottish Rite Cathedral for a truly momentous occasion: the annual Oktoberfest celebration combined with the formal presentation of honors to our newest $33° Inspectors General Honorary.The central focus of the day was the solemn ceremony to recognize these Illustrious Brothers for their exemplary service and dedication to the Craft. Each recipient was formally invested with the distinctive white hat and jewel, symbols of the highest honorary degree the Scottish Rite bestows. The air was filled with immense pride and joy as the leadership presented the honors, underscoring the deep respect and gratitude felt by all members present. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the values of leadership, service, and commitment that define the Scottish Rite.Following the investiture, the atmosphere transitioned to the festive spirit of Oktoberfest. Members and their families enjoyed traditional German cuisine, and camaraderie, transforming the space into a lively celebratory hall. It was truly a memorable and festive occasion that perfectly blended the solemnity of high honor with the joy of fellowship.

October 2, 1948 ~ September 1, 2025 (age 76)

William A. Soderberg, known as Bill, age 76, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025.  He was born the youngest of three sons in South Bend, IN to Edgar and Margery Soderberg, nee Nelson, on October 2, 1948. He graduated from Washington high school in 1967.  In college he majored in elementary education.  After college he accepted a job as a music teacher at Nuner elementary school.  This experience made him realize that he wanted education to be his life’s work so he continued his studies to get his school administrator’s license in 2000 becoming a principal at several South Bend elementary schools.

Throughout his life Bill loved music and performance. He was the Production Manager and Master of Ceremonies for the South Bend Schools summer Firefly Festival performances as well as the Musical Director at the First Methodist church.  It was during his time participating in local theater productions that he met the love of his life Margaret Grant, known as Peggy, and they married December 27, 1976. This shared love of music continued throughout their marriage.  After Peggy’s death in 2011, Bill found a musical home with the Michiana Male Chorus.

Beyond music, Bill was a dedicated and proud Mason serving as a director on the Northern Masonic District, Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend for a time.  In 1988, he was elected to the South Bend City Council representing the third district where he was always an outspoken advocate for his district.

He retired from South Bend Schools in 2013 to enjoy lake living.  He is survived by a brother, Don in Arkansas, two nieces and four nephews. His parents, wife, and one brother, Robert, predecease him. Visitation will be on September 19 from 3-4 with a brief Memorial Celebration after at the Palmer Funeral home, Welsheimer Chapel North, 17033 Cleveland Rd., South Bend.  Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Tour—Make Your Voice Heard!

South Bend, 8/28/2025 — This fall, Sovereign Grand Commander Walter F. Wheeler will embark on an unprecedented Listening Tour across the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, inviting Brothers to help shape the future of the Scottish Rite through open, face-to-face conversation.
“One of the greatest lessons Freemasonry has taught me is the power of truly listening,” said Commander Wheeler. “Our Brethren have made it clear: we need more meaningful connections, stronger mentorship, and a member experience that feels alive and relevant for today’s world. This tour is about you—your ideas, your concerns, your vision for our Craft.”
The Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, is dedicated to inspiring leadership, fostering fellowship, and deepening the Masonic experience for all its members. Don’t miss your chance to help chart the future of the Scottish Rite. Be the Brother who is a pivotal part of history who can say, “I was there.”
The Commander’s Listening Tour will stop in five cities within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction:
Lexington, MA – September 6
Philadelphia, PA – September 13
Cambridge, OH – September 20
Indianapolis, IN – September 27
Chicago, IL – October 4
Each stop will be an interactive gathering—not a speech, but a real conversation where every Brother’s voice matters. Those who attend will receive an exclusive, limited-edition challenge coin—a keepsake of this historic moment that won’t be available anywhere else. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
Learn more and RSVP today: https://scottishritenmj.org/listening-tour