Carol A. Sonnenberg

Carol A. Sonnenberg, 88, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Vancrest of Holgate. She was born on October 11, 1937, in Defiance, Ohio, to the late George and Dorothy (Meyer) Honemann. Carol was a 1956 graduate of Hamler High School. On April 13, 1958, she married Darwin “Darv” Sonnenberg. Together, their faith and love provided the foundation for their family. They were blessed with four children, Karen (Bob) Weber, Pam (Carl) Hurst, Dennis (Teresa) Sonnenberg, and Kevin (Angie) Sonnenberg; eight grandchildren, Greg (Holly) Weber, Angela (Joe) Kistner, Joe (Colleen) Weber, Andre (Chandler) Hurst, Alex (Mariah) Hurst, Conner Sonnenberg (Maddie Jones), Jensen Sonnenberg (Jared Richer), and Kaden Sonnenberg; 12 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and one great-great-grandchild. Carol was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler, where she served many active years in the Ladies of Peace Women’s Association. She and Darv were co-owners of Hamler Lanes for several years, worked as a bookkeeper for Sonnenberg Trucking and also drove school bus for Patrick Henry Local Schools for 25 years. Known for her caring and compassionate nature, Carol was honored as a 2010 Caregiver of the Year by the Ohio Department of Aging in recognition of the devoted care she provided to her husband, Darv, as well as to others in the community. Also surviving are her brothers, Ken (Barb) Honemann and Daris (Lauren) Honemann; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Keith Sonnenberg and Lila (Gary) Wernecke; and her special caregiver and friend, Peggy Fausey. Following Darwin’s passing, Carol later married Frederick Helmke. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2025. Darwin preceded her in death on September 21, 2010. Carol was also preceded in death by her siblings, Elaine and Ronald. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 3 - 7 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, and on Friday, 10-11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Vancrest of Holgate Activities Department, Peace Lutheran Church or to The Familes Wishes. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.