Henry "Hank" Souders

Henry “Hank” Souders, 19, of Oak Park died on Sept. 21, 2024, victim of a traffic accident on the Southern Illinois University campus in Carbondale. He was heading to work as a certified motorcycle license school instructor. Born on June 3, 2005, he grew up and spent nearly his whole life on South Elmwood in Oak Park, attending preschool at Barrie Park and elementary school at Irving, where many knew him as the kid who was left at the Museum of Science and Industry on a field trip. Totally unfazed, he had a discussion with a security guard, called his dad, and hung out until the buses picked him up. A preview of his unflappability.

He was a Pack 23 Cub Scout then a Troop 2 Boy Scout, where the pinnacle of his experience was completing the 12-day, 70-mile trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, often in adverse conditions. Scouting fueled his appetite for adventure and prepared him for independence.

When something caught Hank’s interest, he had one speed: 100%. It started with Go-Gos, then World of Tanks, Magic the Gathering, Anime, Manga, boxing, Jiu-Jitsu and then cars and motorcycles. As he became an expert, he would share his passion with friends, and anyone who would listen, to try and bring them aboard.

Of course, he loved playing video games with his crew, but he was also up for adventure. Riding bikes around Oak Park. Then snowboarding. Mountain biking. Traveling. Fishing. Snorkeling. Hiking lava tubes. Global thrifting. Taking in European museums, solo, that intrigued him. Car culture hot spots, too.

His diet was equally adventurous — he’d eat anything and everything and want to share it with his crew. He’d drag them to Mexican, Puerto Rican, Jamaican and Chinese places across Chicago. His friends joked he was a sandwich connoisseur. His staples were cheeseburgers from Pete’s and chicken shawarma from his friend Yusef at North Avenue Falafel (they were on a first name basis). Last week he cooked Japanese curry for his SIU friends.

The kid was funny, both a quick wit and silly. It’s hard to find a photo of him without some type of face that would make you smile. He was also kind. If you needed help with calculus or your car or a laugh on a bad day, all you had to do is ask. He was friendly to everyone. Peers thanked him for helping them get through tough classes.

While curious and thoughtful, he was not studious. He did fine at OPRF and had some great classes and engaging teachers, but auto shop with Nick Michalek ignited the rocket engine that would power his young adulthood. The combination of problem solving, physical work, science and cool stuff resonated with his DNA. When Michalek was on paternity leave, Hank often taught the class for the substitute.

He found the absolute perfect college fit — the automotive technology and engineering program at SIU. The combination of hands-on labs and interesting classroom work, including electives (architecture, Japanese culture, Asian history), manifested into a ferocious work ethic. Professors described him as one of the most inquisitive and enthusiastic students — to the point he initiated development of new courses and clubs with them.

His infectious enthusiasm and kindness at SIU grew a diverse group of amazing friends; just as at OPRF, he could hang out with anyone. Peers reminisce how he used these traits to challenge them to expand their horizons and do more. He was working to connect his OPRF and SIU families.

Next summer Hank planned to intern at an automaker in Japan and had a goal to work in racing, with the Dakar African rally, World Rally Championship and endurance racing at the top of his list. He also imagined having a shop restoring vintage rally cars and motorcycles in Italy, France or Japan. He also could have built a winning 24 hours of LeMans car. No one doubts he would have achieved any of these.

It was an extraordinary gift to see Hank find his passion — work he loved so much he would do it for free — so early in life. He had also become comfortable in his own skin, surrounded by good friends and living his best life, with joy.

Hank is survived by his mother, Terese (Rosinski); his father, Brian Souders; and his sister, Jane (OPRF 2025). He is also survived by a loving extended family, including grandparents, Ed and Betsy Rosinski; aunts and uncles, Janelle Souders, Diana (John) Yarberry, and Kevin (Leesa) Rosinski; and cousins, Ashley, Megan, and Jacob Yarberry and Kyle Rosinski. Hank is preceded in death by his grandparents, David and Mary Jo Souders.

We thank the Oak Park and River Forest community for their outpouring of love and support during this unthinkable time. Many remark that “You raised a great kid.” It’s gratifying, but so many families, friends, teachers, coaches and neighbors also helped Hank become the great person he was. We are grateful to you. 

A celebration of Hank’s life will be held on Oct. 20 at the Salt Shed in Chicago. Details will be shared at www.hankfest.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hank Souders Scholarship, benefitting SIU auto technology students at https://give.siu.edu/henry-hank-souders-memorial-scholarship.