Robert “Bob” A. Sonnabend
Sunday, July 25, 1937
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Age:
85 years old
Sunday, July 25, 1937
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Age:
85 years old
Sunday, July 25, 1937
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Age:
85 years old
Robert “Bob” A. Sonnabend
Robert “Bob” Alvin Sonnabend, 85, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023.
Bob was born in Madelia, Minnesota, on July 25, 1937, to Erich and Leona (Franke) Sonnabend. He attended school in Garden City and Amboy, graduating in 1955. Shortly after graduating, Bob was hired by IBM and headed to Endicott, New York. He married the love of his life, Carol Conrad, on July 12, 1957, in Vernon Center, Minnesota. Upon returning from New York, the couple briefly lived in Stewartville before settling in Rochester. They had three children, Mike, Steve, and Wendy.
Bob was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, usher, and on the board of education. He enjoyed morning coffee at the gas station, his red Ford trucks, fishing, boating, playing cards, John Wayne movies, NCIS, and anything World War II. He took great pride in his garden, especially his tomatoes. Bob was active with his children, coaching football, baseball, leading a scout group, and attending many school events, concerts, and games. He continued to cheer on his grandchildren and followed them through high school.
He is survived by his wife Carol; son, Mike (Jane) Sonnabend; daughter Wendy Sonnabend; seven grandchildren; brother Denny; sister Beverly; and several nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his son Steve; his parents; a brother, Jerry; and sister, Marilyn.
A funeral service officiated by Pastor Adam Koglin will take place at Redeemer Lutheran Church, in Rochester on Saturday, May 13, at 11:00 a.m. A livestream of the service will be available at www.redeemer-rochester.com. A visitation will take place one hour before the service.
Memorials to Redeemer Lutheran Church are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Robert “Bob” A. Sonnabend has received the following condolences.
Carol and family,
My deepest sympathy. Bob will be so greatly missed .He was such a great guy. Blessings, Bruce
Dear Carol and family, We are so sorry for your loss of Bob. I (Launie Olson ) and Ralph want to express our deepest sympathy. Our family lived behind you on 20th Ave. My parents were Joan & Duane. I babysat your children and Ralph worked with Bob at IBM and also went on fishing trips with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
WITH OUR SYMPATHY,
Ralph & Launie Smith
Carol, I hope you remember me. I worked in the Office Systems Center for many years before moving on to my jobs in IT. I was sorry to see of Bob's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Brenda
Carol and Family, my condolences to you and your families. I worked with Bob for several years at IBM. He was a very positive and uplifting man. RIP Bender.
I managed the BP gas station back when Bob, Everett and Gordy would come in every morning for their coffee and talk about whatever was going on at the time! They were always my first customers of the day and I can't remember a day when they weren't there. I have to believe they are all up in Heaven, together at last, enjoying their time together once again!