Don Sonntag, age 84 of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Heritage House in Atlantic, IA. He was born on January 9th, 1940, in Panama, Iowa the son of Leo and Isabelle (Micheals) Sonntag. He graduated from the Panama High School in Panama, Iowa.
Don united into marriage on August 8, 1958, to Lois Freund in Earling, Iowa. In 1960, they moved to Atlantic, where he managed the Green Bay Lumber Company, then eventually managed the Atlantic Lumber Company. Don later took a job at Henningsen Construction selling steel buildings. He was not afraid to work and often juggled more than one job at a time. Don started building houses during this time and played an integral role in housing and business development in and around Atlantic, eventually starting Sonntag Incorporated, building many homes and condominiums in Atlantic and surrounding communities.
Don was one of the founding members of Atlantic Community Development, helping with the development of the East Business Park now home to Ziegler CAT and other businesses, industrial Development on the west side of Atlantic including the ethanol plant site and Atlas Crane. He was a member and supporter of many community committees promoting progress in and around the City of Atlantic including CADCO, Rotary Club, and Cass County Democrats. Don was also a member of the Cass County Ag and Ed Association being a key member to the construction of the Cass County Community Center. Don was a big supporter of the YMCA, Atlantic Community School District, and Iowa Western Community College.
Don was an active member of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church and was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He enjoyed supporting his grandchildren and great grandchildren through sporting events, school, and social activities and was especially proud of his growing family. Don will be remembered for his dedication to the community, his family, and the stories and memories he loved to share.
Those who cherish Don’s memory include his wife, Lois of 65 years of Atlantic; his children, Glen (Deb) Sonntag of Atlantic, Gary (Rachelle) Sonntag of Urbandale, IA, Michelle (George) Meinecke of Cumming, IA, and Julie (Mark) Shryock of Johnston, IA; Eleven grandchildren, Erik (Katrina) Sonntag, Anne (Kyle) Quist, Adam (Lisa) Sonntag, Austin (Laena) Sonntag, Hillary (Dan) Bump, Tyler (Amy) Sonntag, Jordan (Julia) Sonntag, Kevin (Tori) Meinecke, Katie (Josh) Kettelkamp, Nick (Jess) Comes & Nate (Dakotah) Comes; Twenty-two great grandchildren; as well his brother, Marv Sonntag of Brayton, IA and many other relatives and friends.
Don was welcomed to heaven by his parents, Leo and Isabelle Sonntag; brothers, Richard, Gerald and David; and a sister, Ellen Niedzielski.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 am, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, IA with Fr. Trevor Chicoine officiating. Burial will follow at the Atlantic Catholic Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 5 pm till 7 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.
Memorials can be made in his name and will be designated at a later date and can be left or mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 523 – Atlantic, IA. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is caring for the Sonntag family at this time
