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BORN
1931
DIED
2022
Darrell Sonnichsen Obituary
1931 - 2022
Resident of Menlo Park
Darrell (Deke) Carsten Sonnichsen died peacefully of natural causes on March 21, 2022 at Mission Woodside in Redwood City. He was born in 1931 in San Jose, however was raised in Palo Alto where his paternal grandparents settled from Denmark in 1904. He helped his father Carsten and grandfather Laust Sonnichsen, at their Palo Alto Market at 315 University Ave., delivering during WWII. In elementary school he got the nickname "The Decon" for the eloquent speeches he made during recess and adopted the shortened version "Deke" for the rest of his life. He graduated Paly High with the class of 1949 and then attended Cal Poly. In 1951 prompted Deke to enlist and he served three years in the 82nd Airborne Division. After his military service in 1954 he married Joanne Peterson (deceased). They had a son Kirk "Pr Sonnichsen (deceased). Deke worked at Lockheed Missile & Space Company as an engineering coordinator for satellite projects from 1959 to 1992.
Deke enjoyed the sky and inspired others to do the same from sport parachuting and hot air ballooning. He was a pioneer in both sports. Among his accomplishments and contributions: Founded California Parachute Club (1956) Member/Team Leader for US Parachute Team in 1957-1964. President, Parachute Club of American 63-64. Set Four World Balloon Records, 66. Founded WHAMOBASS Balloon Rally 65. Oldest continuing Balloon Event in World. FAA Balloon Examiner 67-03. Inducted into Balloon Hall of Fame, National Balloon Museum in 2007. Inducted into Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2019. Deke was a member of E Clampus Vitus, the Roxbourg Club and was on the San Mateo County Historical Resources. In the mid 80's Deke became involved in anvil firing to the delight of onlookers at Union Cemetery on Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations.
Deke is survived by his brother David Lawrence Sonnichsen, niece Victoria Olsen and her son Thom Olsen. Deke will be interred at Alta Mesa Cemetery, Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the American Cancer Society and National Institute of Mental Health.
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Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Sonnichsen
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Gary Sloane
March 15, 2023
Nothing but happy memories of Deke and Joanne.
I rented a little house on Willow Road from them (later just him) for many years, always on a cordial basis. When I told Deke I'd have to give it up because I was getting married, he offered to officiate and, to nobody's surprise, did a magnificent job (see attached photo, May 2006).
Rest in peace, old friend.
Susan Elbinger (cousin of Deke)
May 2, 2022
I have wonderful memories when our family would visit from Hawaii and we would all spend time at the cabin at Paradise Park in Santa Cruz!
Martin Duckworth
May 2, 2022
A lifetime shared with a legend.
May 2, 2022
I just discovered that Deke is gone. Memories of my life are filled with this amazing man.
1962-64, I started skydiving while in the Army. The book, History of Sky Diving had a chapter about him.
Discharged in 1965 I got a job at Lockheed, Sunnyvale in repro. Deke was a customer. We became friends for almost 30 years.
Drove chase vehicles for him.
Deke got Hot Air Balloon rides for my three kids.
Later, he called me and invited me to spend a morning in the sky with him courtesy of someone who had paid for a ride then had a last minute conflict.
It was a life moment in the sky with a friend who is IN TWO HALLS OF FAME!
Deke was one of a kind and like many people, he will always be big in my heart.
It is sad to know he is gone but he really lived a life while here.
Art "3030" Ritchie
April 25, 2022
Deke, As a fellow member of YB1, I salute you Brother. Memor eris in eternum.
Glen L Moyer
April 23, 2022
Just learning of the passing of my friend Deke. As the current editor of the Balloon Federation of America's Ballooning Journal, a publication Deke began, I'm honored to carry on his legacy and even more to have known him as a friend and fellow balloonist. His contribution to the sport was immeasurable and he will be sorely missed.
Linda and Alan Brandt
April 4, 2022
A 2011 picture of Deke doing one of the things he loved. A special man of many talents, he will be missed.
Chris Hawt Dawg
April 1, 2022
Rest in peace brother Deke. Your words impacted many and you brought joy to the masses. The clampfire burns dim tonight... May you have sufficient toll to take the ferry across the dark river to the golden hills, and may you be greeted with those warms words "what say the brethren?" Upon your arrival.
Rick "Emperor Norton l" Saber
April 1, 2022
RIP good friend and Honorable Brother Dynamite.... save space on your Clamp Cloud for me, for I will not be long behind you, your flying anvils and character as Dr. J.J. Saxon Gomez, University Santiego, Chile will her be forgotten.....Love, Rick
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