Robert L. 'Bob' Sonntag, 87

Robert L. "Bob" Sonntag, 87, died Dec. 6, 2007, in Yuma, Ariz.

He was born July 20, 1920, to Frank Sonntag and Cora Hobson Sonntag in Wenatchee, Wash. He grew up in Wenatchee and graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1938. After graduation, Bob worked at Keyport Naval Torpedo Station in Bremerton, Wash., for three years.

On Sept. 8, 1944, he married Helen Metcalf. They spent the early years of their marriage in Wenatchee, where their first two daughters were born. It was there he built their first home.

Bob worked as a machinist for his father and later for the railroad.

The couple returned to the Flathead Valley in 1950, delivered their third daughter, and made Kalispell their home until Helen's death in 1997.

Bob was employed by Coca-Cola Bottling Co. for 17 years, and then by Industrial Supply Co. until his retirement in 1984.

Bob enjoyed golf and singing in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church, and he loved to dance and spend time with his family and friends. He was involved in the Masonic Order and Shrine Club.

He later met Phyllis Junor in Yuma, where they have since spent winters, and have summered together in the Pacific Northwest at her home on Puget Sound.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; daughter, Kathy; and brother, Frank.

He is survived by Phyllis in Yuma; daughters, Bobbie Roberts and her husband, Bill, of Richland, Wash., and Carol Grosswiler and husband, Scott, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Bryan Roberts, Jennifer and Tim Samland, Stacie Apple and husband, Jason, Sarah Card and husband, Brent, and Jake Grosswiler; a sister, Gerre Rich, of Wenatchee; and sister-in-law, Vera Minneri, of Olympia, Wash.; five great-grandchildren; and many wonderful friends.

A celebration of life service has been held in Yuma.

The family suggests memorial gifts be sent to the Shriners Children's Hospital.