Name: Visitation for Steve Sonnemaker
Start: 2019-06-21T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-06-22T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel

Steve Sonnemaker
WEST PEORIA - Robert Steven Sonnemaker, 66, of West Peoria passed away Friday, June 14, 2019, at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria.
Steve was born on June 30, 1952, in Pekin, Illinois, and was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Francis and Laura Sonnemaker.
For 38 years, Steve faithfully served Peoria County and held the office of County Clerk at the time of his passing, having held the position since first elected in 2006. He previously served as Auditor from 1984-2006 and County Board member from 1980-1984.
Prior to his election as County Auditor, Steve was a cemetery auditor with the Office of the Comptroller of the State of Illinois.
He served as a Hollis Park Board Member from 1975-1985 and was a Timber-Hollis Volunteer Firefighter.
He was the President of the Illinois Association of County Auditors from 1987-1992, President of the Illinois Association of County Officials from 1998-1999, and a board trustee of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
He was also the Chairman of the World Wars I & II Veterans Memorial Committee with the memorial being dedicated in 2007 and Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee to honor the fallen since the Korean War with the most recent memorial being dedicated in 2018.
Steve was currently on the board of directors of American Gold Star Families.
His memberships include the Kiwanis Club, Friends of Fatherless Boys, the Salvation Army and South Side Mission.
Steve will be remembered as a great friend who was passionate for honoring America's veterans and served the Peoria County community with honor and distinction.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019, at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N. University St., Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Michael R. McLeod will officiate. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to American Gold Star Families.
Memories of Steve may be shared through his memorial page at Davison-Fulton.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Jun. 17 to Jun. 19, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Steve Sonnemaker

Sponsored by Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel.

18 Entries

Connie Brun

June 9, 2025

I can still here your laughter and booming voice echo through the halls of the courthouse. Miss you dearly.

Connie Brun and family

June 9, 2023

It is still heartbreaking knowing that Steve was such an amazing person. He was always warm and smiling every time my family and I ran into him at the courthouse. I miss him to this day.

Rest in peace dear friend.

CONNIE BRUN

June 9, 2021

Another year without Steve's laughter is almost unbearable. He was such an intelligent, happy, giving, forgiving, supportive man. When I would run into Steve, usually at the courthouse, I would hear his booming voice as he was always talking with someone. We would always give one another a huge hug and the conversation would flow. Steve never failed to inquire about my daughter and grandson. He was simply a wonderful man. We greatly miss him.

Joe D

June 9, 2021

Two years already! I still miss Steve. His kindness and the way he thought about others really stands out. Especially when he was going thru his own struggles, he never complained.

CONNIE BRUN

June 10, 2020

Steve was someone I didn't see on a regular basis; but every time I did see him, he brought pure joy to our conversations. I have learned that he touched my life more than I realized because I think of him so often, and wish I could have another conversation with him. He had such a bright light within him. Those who were fortunate enough to have him grace their lives, carry a hole in their hearts forever now that he is gone. I had a tree planted in Steve's honor at Illini Bluffs school since Steve was a "local boy" from Glasford. It brings me joy knowing it will live beyond all of us.

June 23, 2019

Steve was my best friend all through grade and high school. Our moms were also best friends, so we spent a lot of time together. I'll always remember when we would get out of study hall in high school to practice out bank instruments. Steve played the tuba, and I played the saxophone. He was truly a great friend.

Nancy Rickena Hornbaker

Joey Watt

June 22, 2019

Steve attended several services at El Vista Baptist Church and welcomed me into his circle of friends. I was honored when he asked me to offer the invocation at the groundbreaking of the Veterans Memorial at the Courthouse. Thank God for his good service to our community!

Tina Carter. Cohenour

June 21, 2019

Rest in peace Steve when you get to heaven take care of grandma and grandpa and Aunt Laura Mae and Uncle Francis. With love from your cousin Tina

CONNIE BRUN

June 20, 2019

From my first meeting Steve, he became a beloved friend. He was one of the most sincere, caring, funniest, sweetest men I have ever met. I wish I could hug him one more time telling him, "I just love you Steve!" He will be forever missed.

June 19, 2019

I will always remember Steve as Aunt Laura Maes' pride and joy. Every time I would see Laura, she had all kinds of "Steve" stories to share. Didn't get to see Steve much, but I can see he had a great affect on a lot of people, and now he gets to join Aunt Laura Mae and Uncle Frances forever!!

Mike Parsons

June 19, 2019

I met Steve during his campaign for county clerk. He was an asset to Peoria County. He was very pleasant . Also he helped out Peoria County Democrats. To the Sonnemaker family sorry for your loss.

GEORGE HERRMAN

June 18, 2019

I always read Steve's "Letters to the Editor" in the Journal Star regarding the members of the military. He was always positive for the military and appreciative for their service to the country. Thanks Steven for your service and being a good advocate for the members of the military. We have lost another good guy.

Becky Gohde-Keen

June 18, 2019

Went to high school with Steve. He was a friend to all of us in our class. He was a leader even way back then. He will be missed at our 50th reunuion next year

Connie Colvin

June 18, 2019

I worked with Steve at the Pere Marquette in the late 70s. He and I stayed friends throughout the years. He will truly be missed by many. God now has another angel.

Joe D

June 17, 2019

I know I can speak for Steve's church family in saying that we rejoice that he is with Jesus now, but we will surely miss him. I have fond memories of Garth making Steve read during Bible study so we could all hear his cool deep voice!

Sue Noel

June 17, 2019

Mike and I are so sorry to hear that Laura has gone to be with the Lord. We were so close to them and their entire family and think the world will never be the same without them.

I offer comfort to the family by quoting Exodus 7 Verse 9. Page 912, For they who go to be with me if you be good you may too

Rise in peace knowing that they will always be remain in our hearts and minds.

We remember Uncle Harvey, Uncle Jack, Uncle Herb, Uncle Rolland, Uncle Mickey, Aunt Vicky, Aunt Lorraine, Aunt Corrine, Aunt Esther, Aunt Emily, and Aunt Lucy.
We also think of brothers Jim, Bob, Rick. Mike, Paul, Steve, Robert, Gill, Stephen, Ron and Steve along with the sisters, Barb, Gail, Sue, Kathy, Jean, Wanda and Leona.

Be strong at this difficult and please remember we are here for you.

Mike and Susan Scales Noel, Peoria South, Side.

bob Hall

June 16, 2019

Thanks Steve, for sharing even a few moments of your life with me. How kind and generous of you to be there and just to here you say "Hey Bob, what are you up to".

I never knew a time when you were not doing something for someone or some cause, and yet, always you had a moment in your life to say hello to someone who greatly admired you and the example of life you laid out for those of us who where lucky enough to call you a friend.

It's not good enough to just say thanks for all you did for me, I know there were times when you went beyond normal to help a friend, but then that's who you were. I will miss those times we shared a cocktail or two and the meals at each others homes.

But, I can never remember a time when we ever said "goodbye" to each other, rather it was always "see ya later" and that's how I will end this!

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