Joel F. Sonnenberg

December 9, 1945 - April 6, 2022

Joel F. Sonnenberg, age 76, of Pine River, WI, passed away on April, 6th, 2022 at Hope Health and Rehab in Lomira, WI, joining the love of his life, his late wife Diane. He was born in Fond du Lac, WI on December 9th, 1945, son of the late Alfred and Lucille Sonnenberg (Hackbarth). Joel married Diane on November 9, 1976 in Fond du Lac, WI. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi, WI. Joel attended L. P. Goodrich High school in Fond du Lac, WI. He managed Joe’s Mobil Station on Winnebago Drive in Fond du Lac, WI before working at Oshkosh Truck for more than 25 years. Joel spent many of those years at Oshkosh Truck traveling throughout the United States training firefighters on the Strikers which he truly loved. Before Joel retired, he and Diane built a beautiful log home on 28 acres in Pine River. They planted over 22,000 saplings, covering the majority of the property creating a beautiful, secluded area for them to enjoy nature. Joel loved hunting big game, enjoying Montana, Alaska and Canada during his yearly hunting trips. He also loved the peace and tranquility that he created with his own hard work and also loved the Sunday morning brunches spent with his Church family. He enjoyed volunteering at Church where he made many friends who enjoyed his quick sense of humor. Survivors include his son, Terrence (Special Friend: Kimberly Haynes) Gumz, Fond du Lac, WI; sister, Carol Hankwitz, Fond du Lac, WI; niece, Traci Hankwitz, Mt. Calvary, WI; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Geraldine (John) Perry, Elm Grove, WI; Joseph (Jean) Schmitt, Fond du Lac, WI; Bernard (Janet) Schmitt, Elkhart Lake, WI; Katy (Brian) Koepke, Fond du Lac, WI; Audrey (Joe) Sesing, Mt. Calvary, WI; Linda (Donald) Whitby, Malone, WI; Pam (Mike) Mand, St. Peter, WI; Marlene Schmitt, Mt. Calvary, WI and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Leo and Angeline (Riederer) Schmitt, niece Darci Atkins, brothers-in-law Gerald Schmitt (Marlene) and Leo Schmitt Jr., sister-in-law Donna Mae, niece Robin Lynne Koepke, and nephews Rodney Schmitt and Brian Michael Mand. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April, 11, 2022 at First Lutheran Church in Poy Sippi, WI at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Rebekah Tarras officiating. A visitation will be held on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the church. Entombment will be held at Ledgeview Memorial Park in Fond du Lac. A special thanks to Hope Health and Rehab in Lomira and Agnesian Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. A special thanks also to Dan and Judy Button for their kindness.