Homer Eugene Sondreal (Doc)

Finley, ND

1939, 762, Custer, F-12; 762, Sheridan, F-24, hospital orderly

Homer E. "Doc" Sondreal, 82, Grand Forks, ND died Thursday, March 17, 2005 at his home in Grand Forks.

Homer Eugene Sondreal was born August 17, 1922, the son of Edwin and Selma (Vareberg) Sondreal in Hatton, ND. He was raised in Finley, ND and graduated from Finley High School in 1939. He entered the United States Army at Detroit, MI on August 4, 1942. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, piloting C-47 transport aircraft. He was awarded two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged from military service, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant on February 18, 1946.

He moved to Fargo ND, where he attended North Dakota State University. He attended the Chicago School of Optometry, Chicago, IL where he obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1950. Homer moved to Grand Forks, ND and established his optometric practice and continued to practice optometry in the community and the surrounding area until his retirement. He was active in civic and community activities. He served as Director of Civil Defense in Grand Forks County and was an alderman on the Grand Forks City Council from 1956-1964. He was a member of United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, the Odd Fellows Lodge, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He will be remembered as a good listener and a man who was charitable with his professional work. He enjoyed socializing and visiting with his many friends and acquaintances. His philosophy of life was, "Keep it simple".

He is survived by his former wife, Eunice H. Sondreal; a daughter, Janine (Jeff) Johnson, Edina, MN and their children, Matthew and Bryan; his sons, Blair Sondreal, Grand Forks, ND and his children, Amber, Drake, Taylor and Ali; Bruce Sondreal, (Sheila Wixo), Grand Forks, ND and her children, Skyler and Cody; Barry Sondreal, Roseville, CA and his children, Ashley and Hannah and his nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, a brother, Elroy and a sister, Genora Peterson.

The body of Homer Sondreal will be donated to the School of Medicine at the University of North Dakota

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