October 28, 2014

Marlene Sondrol

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014 at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D., for Marlene Joy Sondrol, 82, who passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at her residence in Bismarck, N.D.
Interment was held in the Schafer Cemetery, Watford City, N.D.
Pallbearers will be Brant Luckow, Jared Luckow, Travis Luckow, Damon Sondrol, Branson Sondrol and Kimberly Luckow. Unable to attend were Jessica Garcia, Austin Sondrol, Crystal Sondrol, and Chasilly Hughes.
Marlene Joy Bischke was born June 20, 1932 in Garrison N.D., to John and Olga Bischke. After the death of her father, Marlene was raised by her mother and stepfather, Oscar Skogen. She attended school in Parshall N.D. After graduation she attended Minot State Teachers College. Her first job was teaching second grade in the Watford City School System. During this time she met her soon-to-be-husband, Norman Sondrol. They were married in Parshall, N.D., on June 20, 1956. They lived in Watford City, N.D. On Dec. 29, 1956, a son Kevin was born, the first of four children. A daughter Wendy was born May 27, 1958. Marlene kept the children well cared for and helped Norman in the farming industry. Norman also worked in the oil industry. September 1959 brought a move to Stanton for the Sondrol family where Norman worked for a road contractor helping to construct Interstate 94. Marlene taught second grade in Stanton for a period of time. In April of 1960, the family moved to Tioga N.D. Norman went to work for Signal Oil and Gas in the Tioga gas plant. During this busy time, two more sons were added to the family, Steven, born Nov. 3, 1960 and Mitch was born April 20, 1962. During the time they lived in Tioga, Marlene was a substitute teacher and devoted mother and wife. The family lived in Tioga for 10 years before moving back to Watford City, where Norman farmed the family farm.
Marlene was an active member of First Lutheran Church. She helped for many years with the Food Pantry located in the Church. She was a woman of great compassion for ministry. Her kindness always showed in her work with the WELCA.
She had many interests. She loved playing Bridge with the girls, and was always ready for her weekly bowling team. Marlene was an avid golfer and loved the golf trips to the Black Hills with their special friends each year. Norm and Marlene had time reserved to meet their friends from Tioga in Las Vegas. She always looked forward to spending time with friends. She and Norman joined a square dancing club which met in the basement of their home. Marlene helped with the community Meals on Wheels. She was always a smiling face on the other side of the door. You never drove by their house during the spring, summer or fall that Marlene wasn’t tending her bedding plants and yards. There was always a temptation to steal her Peonies as they were spectacular. She was the best dog sitter Missy ever had, she always filled Bernie’s place in Marlene’s heart.  Her favorite past times were cooking or baking for her family, friends and community.
Very few people knew Marlene’s love of bird watching. She had many books and much knowledge of the local bird population. The Badlands were a special haven to Marlene.
Marlene was a wonderful loving person. She was a quiet, thoughtful woman who silently moved about making a difference in others’ lives.
Marlene is survived by her husband of 58 years, Norman E. Sondrol; three sons, Kevin Sondrol of Watford City, N.D., Steven Sondrol (Diane) of Wichita, Kan., and Mitchell Sondrol of Watford City, N.D.; one daughter, Wendy Luckow (Allen) of Minot, N.D.; nine grandchildren, Brant Luckow, Jared Luckow, Travis Luckow, Damon Sondrol, Branson Sondrol, Jessica Garcia, Austin Sondrol, Crystal Sondrol and Chasilly Hughes and eight great-grandchildren.
She is preceded by her parents; stepfather, Oscar Skogen; brother, Norman “Bud” Bischke; sister, Donna Marron; four aunts and one uncle.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, Okla., 73123.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER