Donald C. Sondgeroth

STERLING – Donald C. Sondgeroth, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at Parkway Center. Don moved to Sterling in 1947, and began his 40-year career in the refrigeration, heating, and cooling business.

He was one of the original co-owners of Central Heating and Cooling, where he worked until his retirement.

Donald was born on Jan. 11, 1922, in Peterstown, the son of Michael and Teresa (Jeanguenat) Sondgeroth. Don served his country for 4 years during World War II in the Army Air Corps Air Transport Command. He married Rose Mary Faivre on Sept. 4, 1947 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Amboy. She preceded him in death on Aug. 2, 1995.

Don was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sterling. He served on the school board at St. Mary Grade School, and was a strong supporter of Newman Central Catholic High School.

Don volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America for many years, and was a proud member of Sterling American Legion for more than 60 years. He loved to be with his family, travel, hunt, and fish, and enjoyed his several “grand puppies.”

He touched many lives through his years of dedication to his family, business, and community, and will be greatly missed.

Don was a devoted family man. He is survived by his five children, Donna Cleavelin of Maryland Heights, Mo., Mary Kay (Steve) Alexander, of Potosi, Wis., Bob (Cindy) Sondgeroth of Rock Falls, Tom (Lenaé) Sondgeroth of Frisco, Texas, and Ken Sondgeroth of Rock Falls; five grandchildren, Matthew, Adam, Ben, Jennie, and Wilson; his sister, Fay Gugerty of Franklin Grove; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Don also will be missed by members of his Parkway Center family, who cared for him so lovingly over the last few years of his life.   

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. David Finn, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

A memorial has been established in Don’s honor to Hospice of the Rock River Valley.