Gerald "Jerry" Francis Sonnek

About Jerry

Gerald “Jerry” Francis Sonnek, 80, of Blackduck, MN died on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center in Bemidji, MN

Jerry was raised in Easton, Minnesota; the only child of Irene and Francis Sonnek. He graduated from Wells High School in 1959 where he was the starting quarterback, basketball and track star.

He attended the University of St. Thomas where he ran track and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies.

He married the love of his life, Dorothy Staloch on August 1, 1964. After teaching together on St Croix Island, they moved to Blackduck, Minnesota where they raised three children Steve, Scott and Sheila Sonnek.

Jerry taught social studies, psychology and history at Blackduck High School from 1965 to 1999. He was nominated for Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota Teachers Association in 1984. He was also the Athletic Director and football coach for 33 years. Jerry was Regional Coach of the Year in 1969. He led BHS to 11 conference championships during his career. In 2005, Jerry was inducted into the Minnesota Football Hall of Fame, amassing a record of 189-109-3.

Jerry was an innovator in the classroom and on the football field. He taught Economics, and later Psychology before these subjects would be available at much bigger schools. On the football field, he would adapt his offensive and defensive schemes to the type of players he had each season – running the Wishbone offense one year and the Run and Shoot the next. He corresponded with coaches at Notre Dame about drills they would run in practice. He was both a proud educator and eager student. In his free time, he loved to play golf and watch Notre Dame football.

He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church. He loved socializing at Hillcrest. Jerry enjoyed watching the birds from his lake home alongside his cat, Rudy. He loved to brag about his grandkids and attended many of their events. Jerry was beloved by many. He enjoyed visiting with those he loved including fellow teachers, former players and students, his family and in-laws. We are grateful to the wonderful community of Blackduck for all their love and support.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Irene, his wife Dorothy and his daughter Sheila.

He leaves behind his two sons, Steven Francis Sonnek, MD (wife Jill and their children, Audrey, Lucy and Sam) and Col. Scott Michael Sonnek, PhD, (wife Liz and their children, Matt, Meghan and Ryan.)

memorial service

Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry

June 25, 2022

St Ann Catholic Church 388 First St NE, Blackduck, MN 56630, USA

Rev. John Christianson will be officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 24th at Cease Family Funeral Home in Blackduck, MN from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and for one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Blackduck, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home