Robert Euguene Sonke

Robert "Bob" Eugene Sonke, 79, passed away on November 18, 2024, in Nampa, Idaho. Born on October 7, 1945, Bob spent his early years working on the family dairy, drove truck for a few years throughout California and later became a lineman for SC Edison. In 1978, he and his wife, Mary, Denise and Michelle relocated to Idaho, where he established Sonke Dairy, which he operated until 2021. Cows and his family were truly his passion.

Bob graduated from Chino High School and had a lifelong passion for sports. He played baseball and basketball through high school and into adulthood and later coached his daughters' softball teams. He loved watching his girls play volleyball, basketball and softball.  He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in various sports. Bob was an active member of the Homedale Lions Club, where he particularly enjoyed serving beer at the annual Demolition Derby.  He was a devout man of faith, deeply committed to his love for Jesus Christ. In his final years, he found comfort and community at Homedale Friends Church.

Bob is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Sonke; he was known as “Fun Bobby” to his daughters, Denise Carter, Michelle and Tyler Haylett, Danielle Waldron, and Nicole and Corby Garrett; he was known as “Bumpa” to his grandchildren, Dylan, Ashley, Lindsey, Connor, Garrett (Madison), Amaya, Paige, Lane, Maximus, Boston, Bradley, and Blake; great-grandchildren, Maren and Cash; sister, Phyllis Indart (Dick Zehr); and brother, Don and Sue Sonke. He had a special affection for John, Marie and Robert Indart.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Kathryn Van Dyke Sonke, and his brother-in-law, Guillaume Indart.

Services will be held on Sunday, November 24th at 3 pm at Homedale Friends Church, 17434 Highway 95, Wilder followed by a dinner at Txoko Ona Basque Center in Homedale. A private burial will take place at a later date for family members.

In lieu of flowers, because Bob was a Christian and supported the youth of Homedale please make donations to The Rock at 15777 Quartz Lane, Wilder, ID  83676.