Ralph L. Sonnenschein passed away on Nov. 20 at the age of 90.
Ralph was the beloved husband of Sarah “Mandy” Sonnenschein; loving father of Leonard (Valentina), the late Marvin, Edie (Jon) Michelson and Ken (Sheila); cherished grandfather of Canaan (Johanna), Alexis (Drew) Lueke, Randy (Maria) Michelson, Dann (Hannah) Michelson, Karen (Andy) Botts, Morgan (Molly), Avi (Carly), Pearl (Stefan) and Gabriella (Kesem) Fine; and proud great-grandfather of Eli, Clarabel, Ariana, Lydia, Juliet, Amelia, Zoe, Austin, Mackenzie, Emma and Oscar. He was preceded in death by his first beloved wife, Annette; son Marvin; daughter-in-law Cindy; and parents, Rachel and Alexander.
Ralph was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and worked early in his parents’ business, Sunshine Press. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Top Services and later join Duro-Test, where he built a long career selling full-spectrum lighting products.
He had a lifelong passion for cooking, which he learned during his Air National Guard service, and later delighted family with specialties like “Ralph’s Reasonable Roast” and peach jelly. Every New Year’s Eve, he made homemade pizzas with his grandchildren. He and Annette enjoyed square dancing, tennis and travel, with St. Thomas being a favorite destination.
A devoted community advocate, Ralph supported the Civil Rights Movement and local political candidates who shared his values. Deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, he taught at United Hebrew and Shaare Emeth religious schools. He championed Scouting, was honored with the Shofar Award and helped his sons become Eagle Scouts.
Family was Ralph’s greatest priority. He and Annette ensured their children had the tools to succeed in science, art, accounting and medicine. They regularly hosted all their grandchildren for tennis lessons followed by a Shabbos meal together. After Annette’s passing in 2011, Ralph found renewed joy marrying Mandy in 2012 and later moved to Elmwood, Illinois, continuing his lighting career and aiding businesses in transitioning to LED systems.
At age 83, Ralph celebrated his bar mitzvah, a milestone he had missed at 13. He attended nearly all his grandchildren’s weddings and spent his final months in Overland Park, Kansas, passing peacefully on Nov. 20 with compassionate care from Catholic Community Hospice and Delmar Gardens. His final wish was to celebrate his 90th birthday, which he did.
Graveside Service were held Nov. 23 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery in St. Louis.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity or to Mitzvah Garden KC. Please make checks out to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah (12320 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66209), and put Mitzvah Garden KC in the memo line.
Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.
