Notes:

Raymond H. Sonnenberg, 72 of Belleville, ILL, born Nov. 30, 1930, in Collinsville, IL, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Ray was a 1952 graduate of St. Louis University. At St. Louis University, he played football and basketball on the varsity teams.

Ray was named to the NCAA Missouri Valley All America Team and played in the World Series of basketball against the Harlem Globetrotters. He was named to the Illinois and St. Louis University sports halls of fame.

After graduation, Ray entered the U.S. Air force. While in the Air Force, Ray was a member of the basketball team that won the World-Wide Air Force Championship and World-Wide Inter-Service Championship.

Ray officiated for many years in all levels of sports. he was a member of the Illinois High School Officials Association and was a basketball official in the Missouri Valley Conference. In 1968 and 1970, he officiated the College Division of the NCAA Basketball Finals. Also in 1968, Ray officiated the Olynpic Basketball Trial Games. From 1967 until 1978, Ray served as a head linesman in the National Football League.

Ray was the executive director of the East St. Louis YMCA and its successors, the Bi-County YMCA and YMCA of Southwest Illinois. The former Bi-County Center of the YMCA of Southwest Illinois was re-named the Sonnenberg Center in his honor. Ray also served as a council member in the National Council fo the YMCA of the USA and was a member of the board of directors for the Region 1 YMCAs in America. Ray and his wife, Celeste, who preceded him in death, were members of the Lamplighters Society of the YMCA of South-west Illinois.

Ray was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served as the metro-east president from 1970 to 1972 and the Branch Rickey Chapter president from 1986 to 1988. He was a Sunday school teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church from 1955 to 1965.

Ray served as a Belleville city Alderman from Ward 4 for approximately 20 years. he served as a member of the school board for Notre Dame Acadamey of Belleville from 1970 to 1972 and St. Henry's Seminary, also from 1970 to 1972.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Celeste Sonnenberg, his parents, Samuel and Elanor, nee Reimler, Sonnenberg, and a sister, Bessie Harris.

Surviving are his seven children and their spouses, Ray and Theresa Sonnenberg Jr. of Belleville, ILL., Celeste and Phil Furmanek of Belleville, ILL., Sue and Bob Mayberry of Millstadt, ILL., Jeanne and Mike Sanders of Belleville, ILL., Kate and Bill Gavin of Swansea, Ill., Kirk and Kelly Sonnenberg of Millstadt, Ill., and Greg and Vicky Sonnenberg of St. Louis, MO.: two brothers, Al (Nancy) Sonnenberg of Montrose, Iowa, and Walter Sonnenberg of Collinsville, Ill.: two sisters, Shirley Gili of Collinsville, Ill., and Linda Wiseman of Salen, Ill.; 15 grandchildren, Austin, Niclole, Erin, Erik, Raechel, Megan, Justin, Jeremy, Anne, Catherine, Chris, Casey, Carson, Charlie, and Mary; and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial gifts may be directed in Ray's memory to the YMCA of Southwest Illinois Downtown Belleville Center Capital Construction Fund, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes or St. Henry's Catholic Church.

Funeral procession will leave at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2003, from Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill., for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Henry's Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., with Monsignor Bernard Voss and the Rev. Bill Rowe officiating. Internment will be in Lake View memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Raymond married CELESTE. died in BEF. 5 Mar 2003. [Group Sheet]

1. SONNENBERG Ray
2. SONNENBERG Celeste
3. SONNENBERG Susan
4. SONNENBERG Jean
5. SONNENBERG Katharine
6. SONNENBERG Kirk
7. SONNENBERG Gregory

Notes:

A highly decorated war hero. He was crushed while digging a well.

Samuel married REIMLER Elanor. Elanor died in BEF. 5 Mar 2003. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Sponsor at confirmation was William Horn


1900 census record, Macoupin Co, IL

Christ Sonburg, Head, born Dec, 1867 in IL, parents born in Germany, 35 years old, works in coal mine
Lisbeth, wife, born June 1871 in IL, parents born in Engl.
Mary, born Feb 1893 in IL
Julie, born Sept 1895 in IL
John, born July 1896 in IL
Christine, born Oct 1898, IL
Agnes, born 1900 in IL

1910 census record, Madison Co, Collinsville, IL

Christ Sonnenberg, 43 years old, born in IL, parents born in Germany, Coal Miner
Elizabeth, Wife, 38 years old, born in IL, parents born in England, 9 children born, 9 children alive
John, 13, born IL
Nellie, 11, born IL
Agnes, 9, born IL
Thomas, 7 born IL
Rosa, 6 born IL
Daniel, 3 born IL
Charles, 1 born IL

1920 census record, Madison Co, Collinsville, IL

Christopher Sonnenberg, 54 years old, born in IL, parents born in Eng, coal miner
Elizabeth, wife, 47 years old, born in IL, parents born in Eng
Thomas, 17
Rosa, 16
Daniel, 13
Charles, 10
Samuel, 9
Josephine, 6
Blanche, 3

1930 census record, Madison Co, Collinsville, IL

Christ Sonnenberg, 63 years old, born in IL, parents born in IL, retired
Elizabeth, 54, born in IL, parents born in IL
Charles, 23, born in IL, truck driver
Sam, 21, truck driver
Blanche, 17

Christopher was a miner.

Obit--

Christopher Sonnenberg, 71 year old retired Collinsville coal miner, died in an Alton hospital at 5:30 this morning following a year's illness.

Mr. Sonnenberg was born in Diedrich, IL. on April 11, 1867 and was a son of the late Martin and Catharine Sonnenberg, both natives of Germany. He married Bessie Fenwich in Mt. Olive 46 years ago. His wife lives iwth a daughter, Clydetta, wife of Roy Rowlan, 822 North Douglas Ave, Belleville.

Surviving besides his wife and Mrs. Rowlan are five sone, John Sonnenberg, 714 N. Church St. and Thomas Sonnenberg, West J Street, Belleville: Daniel Sonnenberg and Samuel Sonnenberg of Collinsville, and Charles Sonnenberg, Beaumont, Tex.: five daughters, Grace, Wife of Robert Dye, and Blance, wife of Lee Shook, tulsa, Okla.; Agnes, wife of O. Preshaw, and Josephine, wife of Archie Haston, Beaumont, Tex., and Nellie, wife of William Clark, 915 N Charles Street: 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

For partial funeral arrangements see obituary column on Page 15.

Christopher married FENWICK Elizabeth "Bessie" on 28 Feb 1892 in Macoupin County, IL.. Elizabeth (daughter of FENWICK Thomas and SHAY Mary) was born on 14 Jun 1871 in Carlinville, Ill; died on 18 Jun 1941 in Collinsville, Ill; was buried in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Madison, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Obit--

Sonnenberg, Mrs. Elizabeth of 822 North Douglas Ave, entered into rest at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. Beloved mother of John, Thomas, Dan, Sam and Charles Sonnenberg, Mrs. Roy Rowlan, Mrs. R.D. Dye, Mrs. V.V. Dennis, Mrs. William Clar, Mrs. O.W. Preshaw and Mrs. A.V. Haston. Funeral at 10 am Saturday, June 21, from the Schroeppel Funeral Home, Collinsville, to the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with burial in the St. Peter and Paul Cemetery. The REv. Father Muschiff, the pastor, will officiate.

Obit--6/19/1941 ND

Mrs. Elizabeth Sonnenberg, 70, died of a paralytic stroke at 7:40 last night in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Roy Rowlan, 822 N Douglas Ave. (same as above.) Mrs. Sonnenberg had been an invalid for 13 years. Her husband died 2 years ago and Mrs. Sonnenberg moved to Belleville to make her home with her daughter here.

Notes:

Effingham Republican, Friday, June 22, 1894:

Died, Sunday morning, June 17, 1894, Martin Sonnenberg, of heart disease, aged 59 years and 4 months. Deceased was born at Rhine, Province Posen, Germany, Oct. 17th, 1834. Came to this country with his parents when about 17 years old. He served his country in the late rebellion three years and six months. He worked nearly all of his life-time at the blacksmith trade. He was a good mechanic and well liked by all who knew him. Deceased leaves a wife and nine children to mourn their loss. The remains were buried at the Bishop Catholic graveyard on Tuesday morning at 8:30 o'clock. All of his sons and daughters were present at the funeral. May he rest in peace.

Effingham Democrat, June 20, 1894

Died: on the 17th. inst., Martin Sonnenberg at the age of 59 years of heart dease. The deceased came to this country from Germany in 1851. He enlisted in the 100th. Illinois Regiment and served three years in the late war from which he was honorably discharged in 1865. He leaves a wife, ten children and a sister who resides in Chicago, IL. to mourn his loss. His remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at the Bishop Church on Tuesday. May he rest in peace.

Soldier rest, thy warfare is o'er,
Sleep the sleep that knows no waking-
Dream of battle fields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.

He was buried in the St. Aloysious Catholic Church cemetery, Bishop Twp., Eff.Co.IL.

Tombstone of Martin Sonnenberg

Freue Teuchimhern
Halleluia

MartinSonnenberg
Geb. 17 Okt. 1836
Gest. 17 Juni 1894 Altervon 58 jr 8 mo

Selig sind Die die in Herin sterben
Den Illnen lst das himmelreich

(Beautiful are the men that die and go to the kingdom of Heaven)

St. Aloysius Church, Bishop Creek, Effingham Co, IL death notice for Martin--apoplexia corrupta; died without receiving the last Sacraments....58 years old, 5 months, and 2 days; died on June 17, 1894, buried on June 19, 1894.

Family register of St. Aloysious Church in Effingham County:

Martin Sonnenberg was born 10/15/1836, lived in Posen until 1854, moved to Wisconsin first and then Chicago in 1857, then moved to Will County from 1859 to 1879, and finally to Effingham County, IL. Martin married Katarina Schmidt in Will County in 1859 and their first child, Peter, was born there in April, 1860. Census records of Anna Sonnenberg Schmidt indicate they came in 1853 rather than 1854, if he came to the US when 17, then the year would have been 1853.

Following is the family register at St. Aloysious Church:

Sonnenberg, Martin
Born 10/15/1835
Lived in Posen until 1854
Wisconsin 1857
Chicago
Altamont 1889
Married Sept. 1858 Catherine Schmidt
Children:
Peter April 24, 1859
Martin 1860
George 12/15/1862
Christian 4/21/1866
Daniel 1869
Philip
Johanna 1871
Catherine
Helen
John 2/24/1880
Rosalia 7/4/1882
Maria 3/8/1885
Frederick 6/6/1888


Martin enlisted to serve in the Civil War in Mokena on August 5, 1762 and fought at the battle of Stone's River. Forced to lie on the cold ground in rain without cover for three days and nights, Martin suffered permanant disability. He was hospitalized after the battle and eventually transferred to the Volunteer Reserve Corps. Martin was discharged in 1865 and applied for disability in 1879 when he had moved to Altamont, Effingham County. Then in the late summer of 1880 or early 1881 he moved to Bishop Twp., Eff.Co.IL.

According to the Civil War pension papers, Martin was 5' 9", had brown hair and blue eyes, and weighed about 140 pounds. Katarina stated that she met Martin when he was about 19 (she would have been 12).

Marriage license says that he was married: 10 Sept. 1859 in Joliet, Will County, IL. At St. John's Catholic Church by Catholic priest Charles Kuemin to Catherine Schmidt.

Martin became a citizen of the United States on October 10, 1860 in Will County, IL. Witnesses were John Reid and Charles Hirsh.

1860 Will County Census:

Family number 2076, Will County, Frankfort Township

Martin Sonnenberg, 25 years old, blacksmith, born in Poland
Catharine, 18 years old, born in Prussia
Peter, 3 months old, born in Illinois
Martin, 50 years old, born in Poland

Family number 2162, Will County, Frankfort Township

Martin Sonnberg, 25 years old, blacksmith, born in Prussia
Catharine, 18 years old, born in Prussia
Peter, 2 months old, born in Illinois

It appears that Martin's father, Martin, was living with them in 1860 and was also a blacksmith.

1870 census records for Will County, Florence Twp:

Martin Sullenbragh, 32 years old, blacksmith, born in Prussia, parents foreign born, personal property estimated at $800, is a citizen.
Catharine, 27, born in Prussia, parents foreign born.
Peter, 10, born in IL
George, 8, born in IL
Christian, 5, born in IL
Daniel, 3, born in IL

Effingham County 1880 census:

Mound Twp., Effingham County, IL. , number 17

Sunberg, Martin, 41 years old, farmer, born Holland, Father b. Hol. Mother b. Hol.
Catherine, 39 wife, born Pru, Father born Pru, Mother born Pru.
Peter, age 19 son W. on farm, IL Hol Pru
George, age 17 son W. on Farm IL Hol Pru
Christian, age 14 son W. on farm IL Hol Pru
Daniel, age 10 son W. on farm IL Hol Pru
Joanna, age 8 dau. at home IL Hol Pru
Catharine, age 5 dau. at home IL Hol Pru
Lena, age 2 dau. at home IL Hol Pru
John, age 3/12 son IL Hol Pru.

1880, Effingham County, Teutopolis

Martin Sonnenberg, 47 years old, married, blacksmith, born in Prussia, Father born in Prussia, Mother born in Prussia.

As in 1860, the Sonnenberg family was recorded on the census records on two different occasions, and had some conflicting information. It is most likely that one census was taken at the home and the other at the business.

From "Effingham County Illinois Past and Present"

"St. Aloysious Cemetery, located three miles west of Dietrich, has served the Bishop community well for about one hundred years.

This well kept cemetery, to the north of the church of the same name, holds the mortal remains of many who are perpetuated in this generation and many who still live on the ancestral farms. Names to be seen on tombstones are: Goeckner, Bierman, Cremer,Smidth, SONNENBERG, and Buenker.

"History of Effingham County," originally priented in 1883:

"The little village of Dieterich, or Dieterichburg, is situated in the northwest corner of the township and was laid out by M. Dieterich, who owned the land. This town is an outgrowth of the Springfield, Effingham and Southeastern Railroad, which was recently completed through this part of the county and which has given new stimulus to the agricultural interest of this township, by bringing good grain markets to the people's doors. The place boasts two stores, which are kept by James Prather and Henry Habing: two blacksmith shops, where John SONNENBERG and William Richards work at their trades.

1890 Tax List for Effingham Co, IL

M. Sonnenberg had property of Lots 9 and 10 of block 2 in the Village of Dieterich. Lot 9 had the value of $20 and lot 10 was worth $10. He paid $.35 and $.19 tax on these properties.

M. Sonnenberg had property of Lot 6 on block 5 in the Village of Dieterich. The value was $75 and he paid taxes of $1.33.

M. Sonnenberg paid an additional $.60 tax, but it did not say what it was for. Evidentley he did not have a dog that year as there was a tax for dogs of $1.00 per animal.

Martin married SCHMIDT Katharina on 10 Sep 1859 in by Cath. Priest Charles Cumin, Will County, Joliet, IL. Katharina (daughter of SCHMIDT Heinrich Peter and WERNER Anna Margaretha) was born on 10 Jul 1841 in Damflos, Trier, Germany; died on 26 Feb 1927 in Madison County, Wood River Hosp., Alton, IL.; was buried in St Patrick's Cemetery, Alton, Madison Co, IL. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Catharine came to the US on June 22, 1957. She arrived in NY on the ship Harriet Hoxie which came from Antwerp to NY, Catharine was with her widowed fatherPeter Schmidt and Christian, John, Jacob, and George who were her brothers. The family either took a train to Chicago from NY or took the Erie Canal to the great lakes. The family came from Damflos, Germany which is close to Luxemberg and part of Trier which is the oldest city in Germany.

Burial notice in Alton newspaper. Feb, 1927

Mrs. C. Sonnenberg, to be buried Tuesday.

Mrs. Catherine Sonnenberg, aged 85, who died Saturday, will be buried Tuesday in Greenwood Cemetery, following requiem mass to be read at St. Mary's Church. The body is at the James A. Klunk funeral home and the funeral will be held from there.

Mrs. Sonnenberg, who was born in Germany, June 11, 1842, is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Joseph Baumgartner of Chicago, Mrs. J.L. Davis of Smythboro, IL., Mrs. Irwin Strein of Collinsville and Mrs. J.G. Osthoff of East St. Louis, and five sons, Peter Sonnenberg of Kansas, George Sonnenberg of Wood River, Daniel Sonnenberg of Sesser, IL., Chris. Sonnenberg of Collinsville and John Sonnenberg of Sawyerville, IL.. She also leaves 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

1900 Census, Effingham Co, IL, Bishop Twp, Dieterich

House number 22
Sonnenberg, Catherine, Head, Born June, 1842, 57 years old, single, number of children born 14, number of living children 10. Born in Germany, parents born in Germany, year of immigration 1855, retired, reads and writes English, owns home.
Mary, daughter, born March, 1885. 15 years old, single, born in IL, parents born in Germany.

1920 St. Clair County, IL census record:

Catherine Sonnenberg, inmate at St. Vincent's Hospital. 78 years old, born in Germany, parents born in Germany.

It should be noted that Catharine had a different birth date (6/11/1942) from her actual birth date in Damflos, Germany which was 7/10/41. This was not that unusual, it is clear she is the sister of Christian Schmidt and the other children.

Thomas married SHAY Mary. Mary was born in Nov 1850 in England; died in AFT. 1900. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Listed on 1900 census records as widow, living with son John. Residing in Mccoupin Co, IL.