Ludwig D. Sonnenberg
and his wife Barbara Fetzer
and Some of Their Descendants


LUDWIG REINHOLD2 SONNENBERG (Ludwig1) was born at Menno, Hutchinson County, South Dakota, on 17 October 1892 a son of Ludwig D. Sonnenberg and his wife Barbara Fetzer.[1] He died on 15 November 1973.[2] He married at Minot, Ward Clounty, North Dakota, on 8 May 1912 BERNICE EVA SANDERS.[3] She was born at Grand Meadow, Mower County, Minnesota, on 25 March 1892, a daughter of John R. Sanders and his wife Elizabeth Peterson. She died on 15 March 1980.[4]

Ludwig was the second of five children to survive childhood in his family, When he was five years old his family moved to North Dakota, where they farmed. Bernice was the second of eleven children. When she was nine years old her family moved from Minnesota to North Dakota, where they farmed.

Ludwig and Bernice were nineteen and twenty years old, respectively, when they married. Three years afte marriage they moved to Montana to homestead. When Ludwig registered for the draft in 1917 he described himself as "farmer and veterinary student employed by self." He was "medium height, slender, light brown eyes dark brown hair."[5] Their first two children were born in Montana, but in 1918 they returned to North Dakota. The 1920 Census found them in the city of Minot, with three children; Ludwig was a laborer for the railroad.[6] The 1930 census found them in Velva, McHenry County. The household consisted of Ludwig, Bernice, the four children, and Ludwig's mother, Barbara. Ludwig had a blacksmith's shop.[7] The 1940 Census reported Ludwig, Bernice, and the two yungest children, in Donnybrook, Ward County, where Ludwig operated a blacksmith shop.[8]

I'll let their obituaries fill in the details of the rest of thier lives.

Ludwig R. Sonnenberg, 81, Burlington, died Thursday, Funeral Saturday at 2 at the Kingdom Hall in Minot. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Born Oct. 17, 1892, in Menno, S. D. Came to North Dakota with parents in 1897. Settled at Anamoose. Married Bernice Sanders in Minot May 8, 1912. They homesteaded in Montana, living on the farm homestead from 1915 until 1918. He later worked as a blacksmith in Lincoln Valley, Velva and Donnybrook where he moved in 1935. Moved to Burlington in 1973. Served as city assessor and member of the town board at Donnybrook. Was president of the North Dakota Blacksmith and Welders Union for four years and secretary for a number of years.

Survivors: wife; daughters, Mrs. Wib (Eleanor) Vise, Burlington, and Mrs. Duane (Helen) Peterson, Minot; sons Paul of Minot and Robert of Weatherford, Tex.; sisters, Mrs. Carrie Fetzer, Anamoose, Mrs. Pauline Dockter, Goodrich, and Mrs. Hulda Ystad, Astorea, Ore., 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. . . .>[9]
findagrave.com

Mrs. Bernice E. Sonnenberg, 87, Burlington, died Saturday. Funeral Wednesday at 2 p.m., Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Minot. Burial Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, in the spring. . . .

Bernice Eva Sanders was born March 25, 1892, at Grand Meadow, Minn. In 1901 she came with her family to Waterford Township, Ward County, rural Burlington, where her father was one of the first homesteaders. She earned a teaching certificate at Minot State College, and taught school in Sheridan and Ward Counties. She married Ludwig R. Sonnenberg May 8, 1912, at Minot. In 1915 they homesteaded at Saco, Mont. They later moved to Lincoln Valley and Velva. In 1935 they moved to Donnybrook, and in 1973, to Burlington. Mr. Sonnenberg died in November 1973, Mrs. Sonnenberg was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and for 15 years was an observer for the national Weather Service.

Survivors: daughter, Mrs. Wilbert (Eleanor) Vise, Burlington, Mrs. Duane (Helen) Peterson, Minot; sons, Paul, Minot, and Robert, Weatherford, Texas; sisters, Mrs. Inez Boyd, Flint, Mich., and Mrs Elizabeth Bruan, Temple, Texas; brothers, Kenneth and Donavon, both Minot, and Shirley, St. Paul, Minn.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.[10]
findagrave.com

The following obituary describes the life of eldest daughter Eleanor:

Eleanor Elizabeth Vise, 94, longtime Burlington resident and postmaster, was called to her heavenly home by her Lord on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, from her earthly home. She was surrounded by her loving family and under the gracious care of her hospice nurse.

Eleanor was born to Ludwig R. Sonnenberg and Bernice Eva (Sanders) Sonnenberg at Saco, Mont., on Nov. 16, 1916, where her parents were homesteading. As a youngster, Eleanor moved with her family around the state of North Dakota. In the fall of 1933, Eleanor's family moved to Waterford Township, north of Burlington. Eleanor attended Burlington High School and graduated in 1936. During her senior year in high school, Eleanor worked for relatives herding cattle, working in gardens and at the Minot Country Club.

Eleanor married Wilbert M. "Wib" Vise on Oct. 15, 1937, at Minot. She and Wilbert lived in Burlington, where they owned and operated Wib's Mobil Station. In 1945 they moved to Donnybrook, where they made their home and operated a business until 1947 when a fire destroyed their home, business, and an adjacent building, forcing the family to return to Burlington.

During the early 1950s, Eleanor and Wib returned to Donnybrook, where they opened a new business called Wib's Confectionary. Once again in the mid-1950s the Vise family returned to Burlington when the children reached school age. Eleanor accepted a position in the Burlington Post Office as the Burlington Post Office clerk/acting postmaster. Eleanor was installed as postmaster of Burlington in 1956 and retired in 1977. Eleanor always said, "The one regret I have about retiring will be missing all the friends I have made during the 21 years while working in the Post Office."

Wilbert passed away on Dec. 23, 1985. Following her husband's death, Eleanor continued to reside in Burlington.

Eleanor was a charter member of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burlington, later transferring her membership to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church in Minot. Through visitation, continuous prayer and support of the Bethel Free Lutheran Church, Eleanor became a friend of that congregation.

Eleanor had a beautiful relationship with her grandsons. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, listening ear or loving heart; building character and respect in each one, allowing each to develop their own individuality during their maturing years. "Grandma" always knew when they needed a warm pair of pajamas or some of her yummy homemade donuts. One priceless gift she gave her grandsons was the example she lived daily. She loved the Lord, in her speech, actions, honesty and wisdom. She was a living testimony.

Eleanor was known for her many talents. She has blessed so many family members and friends with her beautiful paintings. How she could captivate the ripple of the water and the trees swaying in the wind will remind us of how her hands could create beauty. Her paintings included portraits of her loved ones and places she was raised and travel destinations. She was a collector of used cream cans, saws and saw blades on which she displayed her artistic talents in country scenery and introducing the four seasons. When Eleanor was not painting on canvas she was toll painting on old-fashioned storage boxes, hat boxes and chests.

How blessed we are as her family to have been the recipients of her creative quilting and ceramic dolls, each being dressed in a home sewn outfit to match their personality. Eleanor was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be missed by all.

Eleanor leaves to mourn her passing: Daughter, Geraldine "Geri" (Charles) Olson, Minot; Sons, Allen (Yvonne) Vise, Burlington, Richard (Linda) Vise, Minot; Four Grandchildren, Todd (Sarah) Olson; Rich (Tammy) Olson; Joe Olson; Dustin (Laken) Vise; Nine great-grandchildren, Cassie, Devin, Elizabeth, Kierstin Olson; Mya, Tyler, Zachery, Jeric Olson and Taylan Vise, all of Minot; Sister, Helen (Duane) Peterson, Minot; and many nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandson, Nick Olson; brothers, Robert Sonnenberg and Paul Sonnenberg; and sisters-in-law, Francis Sonnenberg and Jeanette Sonnenberg.[11]
findagreave.com

The eldest son of this family, Robert, made a career of the military. He served in the Army Air Force before and during World War II, from 22 December 1939 to 20 August 1943.[12] Eight days after his discharge he married Frances Chamberlain, who remained his wife for 52 years. During the "Cold War" years Robert served in the Air Force from 29 May 1952 to 31 July 1966.[13] They were living in Texas when Frances died. Nine months later Robert married Mildred Devolt. He was 78 years old, she 73. They had seven years of marriage before Robert's death.

Ludwig and Bernice were forty years old when their last child, Helen, was born. When she was nineteen she married Duane Peterson. The following obituaries describe their lives:

Helen A. Peterson, 84, Minot, died Thursday, January 26, 2017 in her home surrounded by her loving family and hospice.

Helen was born November 1, 1932, the 4th child of Ludwig and Bernice (Sanders) Sonnenberg in Sheridan County, North Dakota. She moved with her family to the Donnybrook area and graduated from Donnybrook High School in 1950. She was united in marriage to Duane Leroy Peterson of Plaza on June 15, 1952 at Donnybrook. Helen and Duane made their home in Minot. Along with raising their four children, Helen was also employed at several banks, the Post office and Holland Furnace Company Minot and Fargo.

Helen was a charter member of Bethel Free Lutheran Church, Minot, where she was active with the WMF and held a number of leaderships positions in the Church. She was a volunteer at Edison Elementary for the RISE program and other programs. She mentioned on numerous occasions how blessed she was to have had time to be with family and friends before the Lord called her home.

Helen loved sewing, canning, crocheting, tatting, knitting, quilting, and baking but her pride and joy was her garden and flower beds. She had a green thumb.

Helen’s loving family includes, husband of 64 years, Duane; children, Deb (Tom) Feist of Kansas City, MO; Sheryl (Curtis) Hussey of Fargo, ND, David (Christina) Peterson of Kirkland, WA and Mark (Kimberly) Peterson of Monroe, WA; 12 grandchildren to include: Bryan Feist, Charlotte Feist, Reverend Michael (Gretchen) Hussey, Amanda Hussey Warne (Brandon) , Matthew Peterson, Megan Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Samantha Peterson, Joshua Peterson, Jamie Peterson, Jesse Peterson Sarah Peterson; 3 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Eleanor Vise; brothers, Robert and Paul Sonnenberg, mother and father in law John Peterson and Lillian (Erickson) Peterson-Willey and other dear family members.[14]
findagrave.com

Duane LeRoy Peterson, 85, Minot, formerly of Plaza, died on Thursday, February 1, 2018 in a Minot hospital.

Duane was born on May 4, 1932 to John and Lillian (Erickson) Peterson on a farm in the Mountrail County area, where he was raised and attended rural schools. Duane married Helen Sonnenberg on June 15, 1952 in Donnybrook, ND.

As a young adult, Duane served in the U.S. Army in Ethiopia. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to North Dakota. The couple made their home in Fargo when Duane attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School. They returned to Minot, where he was employed as a mechanic by Interstate Transportation Bus Company for thirty years. That company discontinued operation and he became employed by the Minot Park District as their mechanic for eight years. He retired in 1994. Helen died January 26, 2017.

Duane was a member of Bethel Free Lutheran Church and a former member of the Minot American Legion and the Transportation Union. He enjoyed woodworking, metal working, puzzles and caring for his yard.

Duane’s loving family includes: his children: Deborah Lynne (Thomas) Feist of Kansas City MO, Sheryl Elizabeth (Curtis) Hussey of Fargo ND, David Duane (Christina) Peterson of Kirkland WA and Mark Alan (Kim) Peterson of Snohomish WA; grandchildren: Bryan (Christina) Feist and Charlotte Feist; Rev. Michael (Gretchen) Hussey, Amanda (Brandon) Warne; Andrew and Joshua Peterson; Matthew, Megan, Samantha, Jamie, Jesse, and Sarah Peterson; great grandchildren: Seth and Emilia Hussey, Hope Feist and Harper Warne; sisters: Ramona Poeckes of Williston, Ilene Orluck of Tioga, Evelyn (Gerald) Copes of Tioga, and Merilyn Grosshans of Las Vegas; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Duane was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Helen.[15]
findagrave.com

Ludwig R. Sonnenberg and his wife Bernice Sanders had the following children:

  1. ELEANOR ELIZABETH3 SONNENBERG b. at Saco, Phillips County, Montana, on 16 November 1916 ; d. at Burlington, Ward County, on 29 October 2011; m. at Minot on 15 October 1937 WILBERT VISE,[16] b. at Montana on 2 February 1916, d. on December 1985.[17] Children of Eleanor and Wilbert:[18]
    1. Geraldine Vise m. Charles Olson
    2. Allen Vise m. Yvonne ________
    3. Richard Vise m. Linda ________
  2. ROBERT LOUIS3 SONNENBERG b. at Saco on 14 July 1918; d. at Weatherford, Parker County, Texas, on 19 November 2004;[19] m(1). on 28 October 1943 FRANCES VIRGINIA CHAMBERLAIN,[20] b. at Petaluma, Sonoma County, California, on 29 September 1920, d. at Weatherford on 9 April 1996.[21] m(2). at Parker County on 31 January 1997 MILDRED DEVOLT,[22] b. on 13 February 1923, d. on 11 January 2008.[23]
  3. PAUL MYRON3 SONNENBERG b. at Lincoln Valley, Ward County, on 22 December 1924.
  4. HELEN AUDREY3 SONNENBERG b. at Sheridan County on 1 November 1932; d. at Minot on 26 January 1917; m. at Donnybrook on 15 June 1952 DUANE LEROY PETERSON,[24] b. at Mountrail County, North Dakota, on 4 May 1932, d. at Minot on 1 February 2018, child of John and Lillian (Erickson) Peterson.[25] Children of Helen and Duane:[26]
    1. Deborah Lynne Peterson m. Thomas Feist
    2. Sheryl Elizabeth Peterson m. Curtis Hussey
    3. David Duane Peterson m. Christina ________
    4. Mark Alan Peterson m. Kimberly ________


NOTES

1South Dakota, Department of Health, "Index to Births 1843-1914," database, Family Search (familysearch.org : accessed 30 January 2019), Ludwig Sonnenberg, 1892. "World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital image, United States, Selective Service System, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 28 February 2015), Phillips County, Montana, precinct 8, Valley Town, no. 12, Ludwig Reinhold Sonnenberg; citing : National Archives and Records Administration. Washington, D.C., microfilm record group M1509: Imaged from Family History Library microfilm.
2Social Security Administration, "U.S. Social Security Death Index," database, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 15 April 2017), Ludwig Sonnenberg, 501-09-4466. "Ludwig R. Sonnenberg," obituary, Find a Grave (findagrave.com accessed : 31 January 2019); Created by: Herb Schwede.
3"Ludwig R. Sonnenberg."
4"Bernice E. Sonnenberg," obituary. Find a Grave. (findagrave.com. accessed : 21 January 2019). Created by: Herb Schwede.
5"World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," Phillips County, Montana, precinct 8, Valley Town, no. 12, Ludwig Reinhold Sonnenberg.
6Fourteenth Census of the United States: 1920, population, Minot, Ward County, North Dakota, enumeration district (ED) 231, roll 1343, p. 14A, household 303, Ludwig Sonnenberg family; digital images, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 4 January 2015); NARA microfilm record group T625, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
7Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930, population, Velva, McHenry County, North Dakota, enumeration district (ED) 52, roll 1737, p. 4A, household 81, Ludwig Sonnenberg family; digital images, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 23 December 2014); NARA microfilm record group T626; Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.
8Sixteenth Census of the United States: 1940, population, Donnybrook, Ward County, North Dakota, enumeration district (ED) 51-16, roll 3017, p. 2B, household 49, Ludwig Sonnenberg family; digital images, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 22 December 2014); NARA microfilm group T627.
9"Ludwig R. Sonnenberg."
10"Bernice E. Sonnenberg."
11"Eleanor Elizabeth Vise," obituary, 2011, created by Dale & Corinne Wise, Find a Grave, (findagrave.com : accessed 31 January 2019).
12United States, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, "Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) Death File, 1850-2010," database, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 17 February 2019), Robert Sonnenberg.
13Ibid.
14"Helen A. Peterson," obituary, Created by: D Kauffman, Find a Grave (findagrave.com : accessed 31 January 2019).
15"Duane LeRoy Peterson," obituary, Created by: D Kauffman, Find a Grave (findagrave.com : 31 January 2019).
16"Eleanor Elizabeth Vise." "U.S. Social Security Death Index."
17"U.S. Social Security Death Index", Wilbert Vise, 501-03-9363.
18"Eleanor Elizabeth Vise."
19BIRLS, Robert Sonnenberg. "U.S. Social Security Death Index", Robert L. Sonnenberg, 557-16-6154.
20Interview with Jeanette Sonnenberg Minot, Ward County, North Dakota, by Christine Sunday Maxfield, before 2000. held by Charles A. Maxfield, Lansdale, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
21"U.S. Social Security Death Index", Frances V. Sonnenberg, 551-26-1915. Interview, Jeanette Sonnenberg, before 2000.
22Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin, Texas, "Texas, Marriage Index, 1824-2014," database, Ancestry (ancestry.com : accessed 18 February 2019), Sonnenberg-Clark, 1997.
23"U.S. Social Security Death Index", Mildred J. Sonnenberg.
24"Helen A. Peterson."
25"Duane LeRoy Peterson."
26"Helen A. Peterson."


BIBLIOGRAPHY

"Bernice E. Sonnenberg," obituary. Find a Grave. (findagrave.com. accessed : 2019). Created by: Herb Schwede.

"Duane LeRoy Peterson," obituary, Find a Grave (findagrave.com : 2019). Created by: D Kauffman

"Eleanor Elizabeth Vise," obituary, 2011, created by Dale & Corinne Wise, Find a Grave, (findagrave.com : accessed 31 January 2019).

"Helen A. Peterson," obituary, Created by: D Kauffman, Find a Grave (findagrave.com : accessed 2019).

"Ludwig R. Sonnenberg," obituary, Find a Grave (findagrave.com accessed : 2019);

Sonnenberg, Jeanette. Interview. before 2000. Minot, Ward County, North Dakota. held by Charles A. Maxfield, Lansdale, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

South Dakota, Department of Health. "Index to Births 1843-1914." Database. Family Search. familysearch.org : 2019.

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin, Texas. "Texas, Marriage Index, 1824-2014." Database. Ancestry. ancestry.com : 2019.

United States Department of the Census. Fourteenth Census of the United States: 1920, population. Digital images. Ancestry. ancestry.com : 2015.

________. Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930, population. Digital images. Ancestry. ancestry.com : 2014.

________. Sixteenth Census of the United States: 1940, population. Digital images. Ancestry. ancestry.com : 2014.

United States, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC. "Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS) Death File, 1850-2010." Database. Ancestry. ancestry.com : 2019.

United States, Selective Service System. "World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918." Digital images. Ancestry. ancestry.com : 2015.

United States Social Security Administration. "U.S. Social Security Death Index." Database. Ancestry. ancestry.com : 2017.


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