Obituary for Leon “Pete” N. Sonday

Leon “Pete” N. Sonday, age 87, of Portland, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2020 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 13, 1932, the son of Edward and Anna (Heyer) Sonday. Leon was a devoted Press Operator at General Motors for many years until his retirement. He was a proud medic of the Korean War in the U.S. Army. Leon enjoyed camping with his family at Gun Lake and Davenport, Florida. He spent his free time waterskiing, snowmobiling, smelt dipping, and traveling. Leon’s greatest joy in life was his family and the time he spent with them.

Preceding Leon in death are his parents; beloved wife of 63 years, Alice (Selden) Sonday; siblings, Robert (Rita) Sonday and Rita (Tom) Mason; and several in-laws of the Selden Family. He is survived by his children, Dolores Sonday, Joyce (Jon) Bower, Connie Rosas, Steve (Kendra) Sonday; 7 grandchildren, Brad (Rachel) Bower, Sara Bower, Celestina (Mark) Wahrmann, Alicia Contreras, Marianna Kalis, and Jorgen and Gina Sonday; 6 great-grandchildren, Elise and Lily Bower, Joshua and Hailee Morales, Olivia Contreras, and Brynn Wahrmann; brothers, Jerry (Gertie) Sonday and Jim (Marsha) Sonday; several Selden in-laws; and many special nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mike Alber at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland. Rite of Committal will follow at Portland Cemetery with military honors provided by the Portland V.F.W. #4090. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Portland V.F.W. #4090, 1324 E. Bridge Street, Portland, MI 48875 in honor of Leon. The family would like to express a special thank you to Brenda Miller and the staff at Hastings Rehabilitation Center and the Oaks of Cascade. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.