MIDDLETON - Tamara Soboleva, age 93, of Middleton, passed away on Thursday, September

11, 2025, at Middleton Village. She was born on May 13, 1932, in Irkutsk, Russia, the daughter of Roman and Theodora Barkhatova. She was married to Vadim Sobolev.

Tamara graduated from Irkutsk Gorny Institute in 1958, becoming a geologist. She specialized in exploration and mining geology, dedicating many years and significant research to the field. She later moved to Norilsk, the world's northernmost city, where she worked within the Arctic Circle, persevering through challenging conditions for the sake of her passion. Her career included work both in the field and in the mines, as well as in laboratories, where she developed projects to identify sites for mineral and oil extraction. She became the first woman in Norilsk, the city above the Arctic Circle, to earn a PhD in geology.

After her retirement, Tamara became a devoted horticulturist, a hobby she truly enjoyed.

Tamara is survived by her son, Yuri (Vicktoria) Danilov; and grandson, Misha (Lydia) Danilov. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vadim Sobolev; and her parents.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435

University Ave., Middleton, at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Burial will be held at

Middleton Junction Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of the service

on Wednesday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Tamara Soboleva

May 13, 1932 - September 11, 2025

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