Weimar Joseph "Butch" Sondgerath , 85, of Dunnington, passed peacefully at home with his family praying the rosary over him at 9:10 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

Born at home on December 12, 1936, in the countryside of Talbot, to the late Wiemar and Helen Sondgerath, he was a lifetime resident of Benton County. He attended St. Mary's School in Dunnington and was a graduate of Ambia High School. On April 21, 1956, he married the love of his life, Shirley (Gholson) at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hoopeston, IL. In 1959, they moved to the Sondgerath Family Farm where they spent 65 glorious years together working hard, raising their children, farming, living life by faith counting their many blessings along the way.

Butch was a "jack of all trades" and could do any and everything that needed to be done.  He was a farmer his entire life and an avid gardener. In his early years, he worked on a dairy farm, at an elevator, sold equipment, worked at his brother-in-law's garage as a mechanic, dug graves by hand, worked at the County ASC/FSA Office, drove a school bus, and numerous other jobs. He also raised livestock and had many pets and wildlife he cared for and tolerated for his children's sake.  He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, carpentry, and traveling.  However, what he did BEST was his job as a husband, father, and grandfather. He worked extremely hard to provide for his family, but definitely knew how to have fun and live life!  He lived for his family and sacrificed much out of love for his family. He was a humble, kind, sensitive, and honest man who was loved by many and held in high esteem.

Mr. Sondgerath served in the Indiana National Guard for six years. He was a parishioner of St. Mary's Dunnington his entire life. He was an active member of St. Mary's Church as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, collection counter, member of Catholic Order of Foresters and Parish Council, repairman, and helping out wherever and whenever needed. Butch was filled with faith and had a special devotion to his Catholic faith and community. He was gracious and kind to all and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He lived his faith by his devotion to his family.

Surviving with his wife are their seven beloved children, Aletha (Larry) Steiner of Fowler, Tim (Glenna) Sondgerath of Tarpon Springs, FL, Gail (Bob) Scherer of Fowler, Chris (Marilee) Sondgerath of Climax, MI, Brad (Jodi) Sondgerath of Kentland, Dawn (Dan) Halsema of Greenville and Bridget (Scott) Santon of Lafayette. Butch is survived by his three sisters, Jean Sondgerath of Otterbein, Marian (Dale) Brown, Bette Brown, both of Lafayette, his youngest brother, Bill (Barbara) Sondgerath as well as sister-in-law Barb Atha, both of Lafayette and brother-in-law, Bernard Krebs of Otterbein. He will be greatly missed by his 20 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grands. Butch leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and many more family members that held him, dear. He was preceded in death by his sister Mickie Krebs, brothers Ron and Dick Sondgerath, and in-laws Bob Brown, and Pat Sondgerath.

Visitation will be at St. Mary's Dunnington on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm ET with Rosary preceding at 9:45 am.  Mass of Christian Burial will begin at Noon eastern time following visitation with Father Peter Vanderkolk officiating. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.  Arrangements by Shoemaker Funeral Home in Otterbein. www.shoemakerfh.com

If desired, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. A special thank you to Shea with Hoosiers at Home and Marie from Home Instead for your daily caregiving, patience, and love these last five challenging months. You became part of our family and we are forever indebted to you for all your help and kindness. We feel the same way about the care, guidance, support, and compassion demonstrated by Franciscan Hospice, especially Carolyn, Dawn, Cindy, Burk, and Joe. Butch's wish to stay at home could have never been met without all of you. May God Bless each of you abundantly!