Ronald J Sonnen

Ronald Joseph Sonnen, 91, of Greencreek, Idaho passed away peacefully Sunday, November 26, 2023 at home surrounded by family at his side. Ron was born January 1, 1932 in Greencreek, Idaho. He was married to Doris U Sonnen (Schmidt) on April 21, 1956 in Greencreek.
Ron was born on the family farm and was the fifth of ten children. He graduated from Greencreek High School in 1950 and served in the Korean War as a truck driver from 1952-54.
Ron purchased the family farm from his Dad and spent his life farming and ranching. Ron was looking forward to celebrating the 100-year Century Farm next year.
Ron and Doris traveled over the years to Europe, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Mexico, China, Scotland, Ireland, The Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and New England States. In 2016, Ron flew on the Honor Flight to Washington DC.
Ron enjoyed rodeos, horses, cattle and auction sales, reading area historical books and sharing special occasions with family. He was an active member in the St. Anthony's Society, the Knights of Columbus and a road commissioner for the Greencreek Highway District.
Ron treasured our yearly family gatherings: places like Leavenworth, Wallowa, Three Rivers, Sun River and one year on the family farm – where we camped, had a crop tour and rode mini bikes and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. We also gathered at Christmas time to celebrate his birthday which is on New Years Day. Dad will always be on our mind and forever in our hearts.
Survivors include his wife Doris, and children Debbie (Colin) Crea, Greencreek Idaho; Linda (Robert) Nida Cottonwood, Idaho, Steve (Sue) Sonnen, Greencreek, Idaho, Donna (Rob) Gable Coeur d Alene Idaho, Janet (Stan) Boyer, Nezperce, Idaho, Bruce (Jennifer) Sonnen, Salem Oregon, Judy (Jason) Baker Meridian, Idaho
Ron has 18 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren: Stephanie (Brandon) Riener, Landon and Aubree; Lindsey (Brent) Frei, Kaydence and Kensley; Keith (Tiffany) Nida, Adalyn and Keagan; Jenna (Jacob) Bonwell, Elijah; Nicole (Matthew) Farsaci, Roman and Theo; Vanessa (Luis) Hernandez, Javier; Tabitha (Craig) Roach, Isabella, Harrison, Avery; Austin Sonnen, Kyler (Kelsey) Gable, Colton Gable, Parker Boyer, Sydney Boyer, Gabe Sonnen, Hannah Sonnen, Brandon Baker, Derek Baker, Merissa Baker.
Ron's surviving Siblings Leroy (Karla) Sonnen, Gladys (Tom) Schwartz, Robert (Linda) Sonnen
He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Gloria, grandson Ryan Crea, parents Albine and Oliva Sonnen, Siblings Leona Duman, Marge Kramer, Everett Sonnen, Sister Mary Constance OSB, Delmer Sonnen, Marvin Sonnen.
A celebration of Ron's life will be on Friday, December 1, 2023; the Rosary will be at 10:00 am followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Greencreek, Idaho. Celebrant will be the Reverend Father Paul Wander. Burial to follow at the Greencreek Cemetery. Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville is in charge of the arrangements. Send condolences to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Monastery of St Gertrude, Cottonwood Idaho or the Greencreek Cemetery.
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