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Former Mobridge resident Don Sonnenfeld passes


Former Mobridge resident Don Sonnenfeld, 79, passed away on Feb. 3, 2014, at his daughter’s home in Minneapolis, Minn. He had entered hospice care on Jan. 24, 2014.
Don was born on Nov. 6, 1934, to Jacob J. and Magdalena (Kranzler) Sonnenfeld in rural Java. He attended school and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Java. He went to Aberdeen and worked for the cement block company.
Don entered the United States Marine Corps on Aug. 28, 1953, and served at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He served in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge on Aug. 27, 1956.
While he was in California, Don was in San Diego and was able to suit up professionally in nine roller derby games, while the sport was in its heyday. This was something he was very proud of.
Don returned to South Dakota and worked at a number of jobs. He settled in Mobridge. He drove trucks for Thompson Trucking, and worked at the Chevrolet garage where he was a favorite with the older generation because he spoke German. He later trained at the Moler Barber College and worked at the Monogram in Mobridge. He also played drums for Gary Bauman in his band.
On June 21, 1959, Don married the love of his life, Darlene Voegele, at the Northwest Academy Chapel in Mobridge. They continued to make their home in Mobridge. They were blessed with one daughter, Donnette. In March of 1966 they moved to Minneapolis where Don was then employed with Metropolitan Transit Commission as a city bus driver. He always joked that he knew three streets in St. Paul and two in Minneapolis, so he figured he better drive in St. Paul.
As a family they enjoyed traveling, especially to the German Russian conventions when Donnette was on the AHSGR board of directors and AHSGR president.
He retired on Feb. 7, 1997. They spent two winters in Nashville, Tenn., and then spent 10 winters in Surprise, Ariz. Don took up stained glass and won countless awards for his beautiful work.
Thankful for having shared his life are, his loving wife of 54 years, Darlene; daughter, Donnette; and brother, Erwin of Aberdeen and Mesa, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and two sisters.
The funeral was held on Feb. 10, 2014, with interment in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

 

 

Don Sonnenfeld

Don Sonnenfeld

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