1913 ~ 2004
Richard William Sonntag, having celebrated 91 years, died of natural causes Friday, August 6, 2004 at the LDS Hospital.
Richard, "Dick," was the second son born to Richard Peter and Lena Tadje Sonntag. He was born February 3, 1913 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Dick attended Hamilton and Webster elementary schools, Roosevelt Junior High and LDS High School. He graduated from "L.D." in 1929.
At the University of Utah, he received an A.B. degree in Anatomy (1936) and completed two years of medical school. To complete his medical training, he transferred to Temple Medical School in Philadelphia, Pa. graduating in 1939. His two year internship was completed at the LDS Hospital (1939-1941). At the Intermountain Clinic he assisted Dr. Russell Wheritt.
Dick married Frances Louise Sandberg Sonntag on December 24, 1936 which was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. She died July 2, 1993.
Dick enlisted in the Army Air Corps serving as a Lieutenant (1942-1945). He returned from World War II service and again associated with the Intermountain Clinic working with Dr. Floyd F. Hatch. Dr. Parkinson, dean of Temple University Medical School,
visited Salt Lake City, Utah and recruited Dick for a new ophthalmology department. Eager to continue his medical career, he packed for Philadelphia almost immediately to begin his residency (1946-1950). He was able to become board certified in ophthalmology.
Some positions he served included: Chief of Staff, LDS Hospital; Staff Chairman of Ophthalmology, Holy Cross Hospital; Director, National Association for the Prevention of Blindness (1969-1973); Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Utah Medical School (1960); Medical Panel, Federal Aviation Agency Board (1963-1967); Consultant of Ophthalmology, Veterans Adminstration Hospital and President, Salt Lake County Medical Society. He served as High Priest instructor for years in the Ward.
Special recognitions include: People of Vision Award (1988), Utah Society to Prevent Blindness and the Distinguished Physician Award (1989), Salt Lake County Medical Society.
Dick loved his patients and the practice of medicine. He and his fellow colleagues were especially proud of their degrees and their contributions to the community. He practiced ophthalmology from 1950 to 1997.
Special thanks to Dr. Cindy Bateman, Dr. Patrice Hirning and to the staff at LDS Hospital for excellent care and concern.
Dick is survived by four children: Carol Louise Sonntag, Salt Lake City, UT; Richard William Sonntag Jr. M.D., Albuquerque, NM: Marianne S. Guss, Salt Lake City, UT; K. Russell Sonntag (Janean), Bountiful, UT: 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. His surviving siblings include Donald Sonntag, Phillip Sonntag, Margory S. Hoff and Ruth S. Mickelson. Brothers and sisters preceding
Dick in death include Walter Sonntag, Larry Sonntag, George Sonntag, Arlene S. Kirton, Katharine S. Wagstaff and Douglas Sonntag.
Viewing:
Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT Tuesday, August 10, 2004 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at Monument Park 9th Ward, 1565 South Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah at 11 a.m. with viewing from 9:45 -10:45 a.m.
Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT following the service.