Earl Sonke

Earl A. Sonke was born to Cornelius and Bertha (Pike) Sonke in the small town of Prairieville, Michigan and moved to Kalamazoo as a boy. During that decade of the 1920s, America was recovering from the First World War and straining to rebuild its economy. By the end of the decade, stock markets fell and countries around the world experienced long years of economic hardship. Those who survived the depression and met the challenge of war were shaped by the values of duty and sacrifice that put them in the company of others who have been called “The Greatest Generation.”

Earl was among the thousands of Americans who fought in World War II and received the commendation of a grateful nation. After his military service, he worked as a truck driver, hauling vehicles from Detroit to Chicago. Later he worked for Simpson Paper in Vicksburg, Michigan and then at National Waterlift in Kalamazoo.

At one time, Earl was part owner of a bar in the old Vicksburg Hotel, and it is there that he met the woman who became his wife. Joyce Simpson captured Earl’s heart, and the two were married June 19, 1958. The years of parenting and watching their family grow were followed by the joy of welcoming step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren into their lives.

For recreation, Earl played golf, went fishing, and bowled regularly in a league. Unfortunately, his sporting activities were curtailed when he began to suffer health problems, and he was forced to retire from his job with National Waterlift in 1986.

Earl was a determined person and always managed to survive his many health issues. During his long illness, he was content to sit in a wheelchair on his deck overlooking I-94 and to watch traffic go by. It was a great disappointment to him when a large sound barrier was built on the highway during reconstruction. It obscured his view and deprived him of hours of enjoyment. Still, he lived his life in quiet strength, and his children were proud to call him “a tough old guy.”

Earl A. Sonke, age 87 of Portage, died Monday October 26, 2009 in Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Joyce Simpson, on October 13, 2004. He was also predeceased by three sisters and two brothers. Members of Earl’s family include his children Debra (Frank) Stager of Allegan, Sandy (Scott) Nehmer of Gobles, Ken Sonke of Portage, two step-grandchildren; Sylvia Spears and Desiree Nehmer and two step-greatgrandchildren; Allen and Lilly. Private services for the family have already taken place. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane. Please visit Earl’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to archive a favorite memory or photograph or sign his guest book.