Gilbert Sonner

Gilbert “Gil” Sonner, 82, passed away on February 12, 2017, at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on October 17, 1934, to Donald and Josephine Sonner.

Gilbert graduated from Woodside High School in Des Moines and was united in marriage to Yvonne Lingle on October 21, 1955. Gilbert was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Gil’s lifelong passion was sprint car racing. His greatest joy came from time spent at the race track and with his family. He owned and operated Gil’s Auto Service from 1955-93 and Strange Performance from 1979 until his passing. He was inducted into the Knoxville Hall of Fame in 1986 as well as the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2015.

Gilbert is survived by his children, Don (Debby) Sonner, Audrey (Chuck) Milosevic, and Cindy (Daryl) Saucier; grandchildren, Cory (Toni) Sonner, Chad Milosevic, and Paige Milosevic; great-grandchildren, Brynnlee Sonner and Chayton Sonner; as well as other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne; parents, and brother, Burton Sonner.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines with burial to follow at Berwick Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday evening at the funeral home from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Gilbert.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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