J D “Sonny” Egolf Obituary (1922 - 2010)

J D "Sonny" Egolf, 87, a resident of Thorncreek Township and widely acquainted Whitley County farmer and grain dealer, passed away at 3:25 a. m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville following an extended illness.e He had been taken to the hospital on Thursday from North Ridge Village in Albion, where he had resided for over three years. Mr. Egolf was born on the Egolf Homestead in Thorncreek Township on December 18, 1922, a son of Dewey and Eva (Winebrenner) Egolf, and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1941.e As a young man he served with the U. S. Army during World War II, and was married in Columbia City on February 24, 1945 to Ruth Borgman. He spent most of his life in both Whitley and Noble Counties, and was engaged in farming all of his adult life.e He was also the co-owner of Egolf Grain in Whitley County for many years. Mr. Egolf attended the Blue River Church of the Brethren, served as a deacon at the former Blue River Church of God, and had also served on the board of directors for the Federal Land Bank.e e He found joy in his work as a farmer, enjoyed tending his livestock, and most especially loved and cherished his family. Mrs. Egolf preceded him in death on May 2, 1994. The surviving relatives include his children Dennis (Rebecca) Egolf of Oak Park, Ill., Gary (Cathy) Egolf of Berne, Gail (Judy) Egolf and Jody (John) Long, both of Columbia City, and Cindy (Roberto D'Alonzo) Egolf of Dolce Acqua, Italy; a sister Faith Richards of Gainsville, Fla; a sister-in-law Martha Ann Egolf of Churubusco; three grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a sister Sylvelda (Harold O.) McCoy; a brother Russell J. Egolf; a daughter-in-law Marilyn Egolf; and a grandson Alex Egolf. Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. on Friday, July 9, 2010, in the Blue River Church of the Brethren, 3040 East 700 North, Whitley County, with Pastor Craig Alan Myers, officiating. The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Thursday from 2-4 and from 6-8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment with military graveside rites will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam. The family requests that memorials be directed to the donor's choice. *************************************** To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Egolf's memory, click on "Condolences" below. . .