Photo courtesy of Tempe Mortuary - Tempe
Nov 28, 1942 - Sep 23, 2025
I so enjoyed working with Duke when he was on the LWMS Board of Directors. He truly had a heart for missions. I'm sorry for your loss.
Beth Taticek
October 02, 2025 | New Berlin, WI | Friend
May the God of all comfort keep joy in the hearts of Lyle’s friends and family. For, despite their grieving, Lyle is in the Presence of his Savior Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the time we had with Duke serving the LWMS alongside him in Phoenix and fellowshipping with him at GSBC in CA. Go with God faithful servant as you receive the Crown of Life. God’s peace be with you Lois, and all your family.
Debbie and Gary Fiedler and Family.
Debbie Fiedler
October 02, 2025 | Stantonsburg, NC | Friend
Lyle Frederick Sonntag was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on November 28, 1942 to Leo and Francis (Evert) Sonntag. He became a child of God in holy baptism as an infant and remained close to Jesus for the entirety of his life, gaining his eternal crown on September 23, 2025. His siblings were all very close: Robert and his wife Darla, Richard and his wife Dorothy, LeAnn (deceased) and her husband Robert Marzinske.
His dad gave him the nickname Duke as a baby in the hospital and it stuck with him, in spite of his mom’s insistence on only calling him Lyle. He attended and graduated from St. John’s grade school in Two Rivers, Northwestern Prep and Northwestern College in Watertown, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon in 1968. Duke spent his vicar year in Jefferson, Wisconsin at St. John’s Lutheran. While there, he fell in love with Lois, and they were married in 1968 and celebrated 57 wonderful years and were blessed with 4 children: Marc (Mary), Jon, Tim, and Matt (Debbie) and also have 8 grandchildren: Stacie, Brandon, Remmington, Brittney, Edison, Lincoln, Allegra, and Jade.
After graduation from the seminary, he was assigned to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bylas, Arizona, serving for 14 years. He then served at Cross of Christ in Kingman, Arizona for 7 years. The Lord then moved him to Alpine, California, serving at Alpine Lutheran Church for 10 years. Sacramento was his last calling, serving at St. Andrew for 12 more years and became involved for several years with the Hmong ministry there. He was also part of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society for a majority of his ministry. Duke and Lois retired officially from the ministry in 2011 and moved to Phoenix and closer to family and to Arizona Lutheran Academy. At ALA, he was lovingly known as “Papa Sonntag” driving buses and substitute teaching for 12 years.
As a Pastor, he was passionate about working with teens and youth groups. While in California he was camp director, “Papa Bear”, for Good Shepherd Bible Camp for 10 years. He loved bringing the Bible to life, and sharing God’s grace in the gospel message. Duke enjoyed working outside,fishing, spoiling his grandchildren, singing, and his dogs. He would also say that any day was a good day for a drive with Lois. He loved watching and attending boxing matches and football games, especially with his best friend RAS (Roger Sievert).
We mourn his death but know that he has gained the eternal crown of glory through Jesus. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Ask and Imagine Building Fund for Crosswalk Church.
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