Robert Richard Sonntag, 83, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of June 1, 1995.
Born on January 11, 1912 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Richard Peter and Lina Tadje Sonntag. Married Ethel Lenzi in the Salt Lake Temple on May 6, 1936. She preceded him in death on February 24, 1979. Married Donna Martin Alexander June 26, 1987.Born and raised in the "Old First Ward" in the Liberty Stake and graduated from LDS High School and attended the University of Utah. He was an active member of the LDS Church and served in various positions including bishop to the Parley's 4th Ward, counselor in the Parley's Stake Presidency, temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple and as a tour guide on Temple Square. Serving as Explorer Leader was the highlight of his church service.
He started as a file clerk in 1930 for U.S.F. & G., and eventually was appointed manager in 1953 and designated as "Company Man of the Year" in 1972. He was elected as State Representative for two terms 1960-1964. President of Salt Lake Kiwanis Club 1964. In 1965 served as president of the Utah Safety Council. Appointed to the Salt Lake City School Board and served as president, 1971-1972. He was also appointed in July 1973 as a member of the Southern Utah State College Institutional Council by Governor Rampton. Bob was servant of all and truly felt that happiness was found in the service of others.
He kept an immaculate yard. At home, one would often find him in his yard preparing for a social event. If there wasn't a party scheduled for the yard it would have just passed. He otherwise was in someone else's home fixing sprinkler systems, weeding or wallpapering. He loved children and the youth enjoyed his association. If there was a young child in the room he would often pick the child up and give them the traditional merry-go-round love. The principle of the second mile was always his code of conduct. If he had any success in his life, he would attribute it to that virtue. He loved tennis and enjoyed many an early morning game at the Salt Lake Tennis Club with his close friends.
He is survived by his wife and four children; sons, Robert R. (Jane), Seattle; Charles L. (Joan), Salt Lake; Paul L. (Carol), Ogden; and daughter Anne E. Bruner (Chet), Torrance, Calif.; sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; four stepchildren, J. Tim, Richard H., Bruce C. Alexander, and Mary Ann Christensen; 15 step-grandchildren and six step-great grandchildren; six brothers, Richard, Larry, Philip, George, Don And Doug; and three sisters, Katherine, Ruth, and Marjorie. Preceded in death by one brother, Walter, a sister, Arlene; and cherished son, David.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 5, 1995 at 12 noon at the Cottonwood 16th Ward, 1750 East Spring Lane (5150 South). Friends may call Sunday evening, 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, and at the ward on Monday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Bob would have suggested contributions be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.
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