Marvin H. Sonnenberg

Marvin H. Sonnenberg, age 90, of McClure, Ohio, passed away at his residence on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.

He was born on Jan. 12, 1935, in Napoleon, Ohio, to the late Carl F. and Emilie (Volkman) Sonnenberg. Marvin was baptized on Feb. 3, 1935, and confirmed on April 10, 1949, both at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township.

Marv attended St. John Lutheran Freedom Township School and continued his education at Ridgeville High School. After completing the 10th grade, he stayed home to help on the family farm. At age 18, he served his country in the United States Army National Guard.

A lifelong farmer, Marv was devoted to his faith, his family and community. He was an active and faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Deshler, Ohio, where he formerly served as chairman. He loved polka music and was a proud founding member of the Bavarian Club of Deshler.

On Oct. 18, 1959, he married Jean Godeke at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler, Ohio. Together they were blessed with four children: Vickie (Jim) Schulze, Diana (Mike) Reiser, Lt. Col. Kevin (Lorin) Sonnenberg, and Jennifer (Brent) Miller. Following Kevin's passing, Lorin later married Chris Schwab.

Marv was a proud grandfather to Jason (Lela) Schulze, Josh (Carrie) Schulze, Mitchell (Jamie) Schulze, Krystin (Scott) Brecheisen, Tyler (Kara) Reiser and Carson (Jenna) Orr; great-grandfather to Xavier, Tayah, Jayden, Sloane, Dempsey, Connor, Ethan, Mason, Ryder, Sienna, Lincoln, Lydia and Liam; and great-great-grandfather to Dominique, Atlas and Parker.

He is also survived by his siblings, Marlene Showman, Carlan (Carolyn) Sonnenberg, Roger (Shirley) Sonnenberg, Leroy Sonnenberg, Marilyn Waite, Sue (Henry) Vosz and Charlene (Jerry) Liska.

In addition to his "boy" and his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother Loran; brothers-in-law Kenneth Showman and Dennis Waite.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler, Ohio, with Rev. Kurtis Freimuth officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. at Hockman Cemetery, McClure, Ohio.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 17 from 2-7 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, Ohio, and again on Tuesday, Nov. 18 one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Sonny Smiles Foundation, Peace Lutheran Church, McClure American Legion or Damascus Township Fire and Rescue.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.