Ronald K. Sonner

Ron Sonner, 73, of Batavia, IL, died peacefully surrounded by family members at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet, IL, on Friday, May 19, 2017, after suffering a heart attack while golfing with friends and left his earthly life to be in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born on June 5, 1943, in Duluth, MN, the only child of Robert Sonner and Vera McKellar Sonner and moved to Rochester, NY, at the age of 2 where he lived the rest of his childhood and into early adulthood.  He was a life-long employee of the Eastman Kodak Company with a career that spanned over 43 years.  After graduating from high school, he worked nights in color print and processing while attending the University of Rochester where he earned a business degree.  He was hired by Kodak as a sales associate in Business Systems, earning many awards throughout his 28-year career.

On June 29, 1973, he married Linda Gray of Moline, IL.  They lived in the Quad Cities until they moved to Batavia, IL, in late 1982.  He is also survived by two sons, John and David Sonner and daughter-in-law Chrisy, and cousins, Bruce Martin, Dick Sonner, and Kevin Mullaney of Rochester, NY, as well as brothers- and sisters-in-law, Tom and Donna Leiting of Eldridge, IA, Jack and Linda Gray of Olin, IA, and Stan Reid of Loveland, CO; and nieces and nephews, Laura White, Katie Schouten, Bruce Gray, Ryan Gray, Teresa Alexander, and Jason Reid and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to being an excellent golfer, Ron enjoyed working in the yard with his wife Linda, sharing conversation and an occasional glass of wine or beer with friends and family in the gazebo, and practicing his carpentry skills in projects around home.  Ron was known for his gift for gab and practical jokes and caring for others through the Stephen’s Ministry program at his church, Fox Valley Presbyterian in Geneva, IL.  He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A memorial service for Ron is planned for Friday, June 2, at 11 am with visitation from 9:30 to 11 am at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 Eastside Drive, Geneva.  A reception follows in the Great Hall.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Living Waters for the World, Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 Eastside Drive, Geneva, IL  60134.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home, Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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