Obituary of Robert Sonnhalter

ROBERT SONNHALTER STOW - Bob gave up the good fight to Alzheimer's March 23, 2015. He was pleasant and smiling often, even to the end. He was born in Navarre in 1925 to John and Aileen (Provance) Agnes. After his natural mother died, he was cared for and then adopted by his Aunt Viva Sonnhalter and her husband Herbert when he was a toddler. He grew up in North Canton, attending NoCaHi. He was active in the band and played football and basketball, earning the nickname of "Crazy Legs" for his running ability. Shortly after he turned 18 years old he was drafted into WWII, proudly serving in the Navy. He was stationed in the Pacific serving aboard the battleship USS South Dakota and aircraft carrier Hancock. Like the other young men of that war, he never spoke of the battles and hardship, only to say that he "lost too many friends too young." After his military service he attended Kent State University with the help of the GI Bill, completing his degree in Education. While at KSU, he was an active member of the football and basketball teams and was a charter member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. After graduation, he was a teacher and coach at the high school level at Ashtabula, North Canton, and Tallmadge High schools, ending his teaching and coaching career at Stow Munroe Falls High School. He continued his love of sports while officiating football and basketball games in various leagues in Summit and Portage Counties. He also continued to attend football and basketball games involving Stow High School teams -- cheering on the team and driving the officials nuts. He was an avid OSU Buckeye fan -- fortunately those officials could not hear him! Bob was never without a smile -- acknowledging everyone with a nod and a smile. He always had a kind word to say about everyone he met and knew. He was always a kind, considerate person, caring for his family as needed during their illness including his mother, his first wife Patricia Post, and his sister Thelma Latta. His kindness was also extended to strangers -- rescuing someone from drowning in Lake Erie; and a woman from her burning home that he observed as he was passing by. He had many friends and acquaintances as he could not go anywhere that he would not see someone he knew -- whether it be the hometown grocery store or a travel rest area in the South while on vacation. Bob and Carolyn greatly enjoyed their weekend trips antiquing and sightseeing throughout Ohio and the surrounding states. One of his favorite places was going to Canada which he often did when a young boy and on into his adult life. Bob thoroughly enjoyed Christmas and was like a little child anxiously awaiting his favorite holiday beginning with his Christmas Eve gift and continuing the next day! He was a hard worker, loyal and generous to his family and their needs throughout the years. He will be deeply missed by his loving family: wife Carolyn (nee Farkas); daughters Joy (Bill) Wynn, Jill (Dan) Hetland; son Jon; stepson Kevin Lippert; granddaughters Erin Wynn and Lauren (Tim) Schmitt. He was preceded in death by his biological parents and adopted parents; his first wife Patricia Post; his brothers, Paul Agnes and John Agnes of Navarre; sisters, Thelma Latta of Canton and Wilda Gail Volges of California. Special thanks to the staff at New Horizons Adult Day Care, Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service, and especially the staff at Danbury Woods for the wonderful care they provided. Friends are invited to Redmon Funeral Home for visitation Thursday 5-8 PM. Graveside services will be held Friday at 11 AM at St. Clement Cemetery, Navarre, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 70 W. Streetsboro Street, Suite 201, Hudson, Ohio 44236.