Sondeen, Frank Richard

Frank Richard Sondeen, age 86, passed away Friday, February 15, 2008 in Fremont.  Frank was born on October 16, 1921 in Muskegon Heights to Gustave Theodore and Ruth Marion (Danford) Sondeen and graduated from Whitehall High School in 1939.  He later attended the University of Michigan Business School where he received an MBA in Marketing in 1948.  He married Helen Josephine Kinney on May 15, 1948, who preceded him in death on August 26, 1994.  Frank served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a 1^st Lieutenant from 1942 - 1946.  Frank had worked as the advertising manager in the marketing department at the Gerber Products Company in Fremont from 1948 – 1986 and retired after 38 years.  Frank was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Fremont where he had served on the Board of Directors.  He was also a member of the Fremont American Legion Post #91, and Fremont V.F.W. Post #6898.  Frank had also volunteered with many organizations in Fremont including the HAGS coffee shop at Gerber Hospital, Dogwood Performing Arts Center, Arts Place, Friends of the Library, Fremont Packer Backers and had been active with the Boy Scouts. 

He is survived by his children, Jane (Serge) Dumont of San Rafael, California; Jill Sondeen of New Braunfels, Texas; Jeff Sondeen of Pasadena, California; Peggy (Rick) Fitzpatrick of Lake Conroe, Texas; his sister, Muriel Majneri of Columbus, Ohio; his brothers, Phil (Loumar) Sondeen of Ann Arbor; Robert Sondeen of Redlands, California; 1 niece, 2 nephews; 6 great nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 3pm at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Ray Dekker presiding.  Friends may consider the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Fremont or the Gerber Memorial Health Services for memorial contributions in memory of Frank.  Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Sondeen family online at www.crandellfh.com.  

 Click here to send a condolence for the Frank Richard Sondeen Family on-line

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Your Father and my "uncle Frank" will be missed. 
I have so many fond memories from the early years "50's" Having him living just behind us.  He was such a great person and always welcomed us into his life.  He was a great part of our family also.
I was always so proud of him as a "VET" and loved to watch him march in all the parades.  I remember all the times he would cut my hair in your basement or out side in the garage or back yard.  I was truly sorry when we built the new house on 2nd lake and had to move from the "neighbor hood" .

Uncle Frank, inspired me to do something worthwhile in life and to keep the "FREMONT IDEALS" of caring about others and always giving back to your community is more important then just making money!  
I also loved him for being my dads (BUD) best friend!  He was not the easiest person to get along with but your father and him had such a great relationship.  I remember all the Christmas gifts (pranks/junk) they gave each other! Like the time your dad gave BUD the rusted slot machine and BUD gave him the 12foot rusted barn door hinge.   They seem to be so happy together and I will always have those memories. 
In the last few years I have been e-talking weekly or monthly with you dad on the Internet.  He kept me informed on what's going on with your and his lives.  I will miss his weekly emails.  But now he has joined your MOM, Florence and BUD and all the  other people  that have gone before him!
I am sure he is standing tall and marching in the PARADE OF HONOR in HEAVEN!
Sent with LOVE and RESPECT!
Howard "HOWDY" DAHLSTROM

 

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Jeff, Jill, Jane, Peggy and family,

Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your father.  It seems like almost yesterday that Frank had provided guidance or revelation about some topic as we played in the back yard or in his workshop at 40 W. Pine.  Always full of wit and always there to lend a helping hand.  A great man forever remembered.

I've known your dad as long as when Jeff and I set up reconstructing the first sand box with our Tonka toys.  I'm truly saddened as I share some in your loss.

May your grief be shortened by all who loved him.

Tim and Julie Hoad
 

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Hello,
The Sloan Family would like to express our deepest sympathy to  you.  You
are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure that you have many memories of
you Dad; those will keep him with you always. Let us know if we can do
anything for you. (Dad knows how to reach all of us and you can reach him in
Fremont!)
With respect,
Jayne Sloan Sherman

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Peggy , I haven't seen you in years, but my deepest and sincerest condolences on the loss of your father


Susan M Munger ( Smalligan)
 

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