Charles D. Sonnek, age 92, of Waldorf died at his home surrounded by loved ones Tuesday, October 13th. A visitation will be Friday, October 23rd, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells and will continue one hour prior (9:30-10:30am) to the Mass at church on Saturday. The Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30am Saturday, October 24th, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waldorf with Father Peter Klein officiating. Burial will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Minnesota Lake, MN. Charles and Betty planted hundreds of trees throughout the years, and the family asks you to honor Charles by continuing the tradition.

Charles Dominic was born July 20, 1934 to Dominic and Gladys (Bentley) Sonnek in Vivian Twp., Waseca Co., MN. Charles met Betty Bartelt when they were the only two 1st graders together in the country school.

For his entire life, Charles has been a person who has been involved in various “communities”. During high school he was on the basketball team, was an FFA leader, and served as a class officer. He and his class were instrumental in starting the Festival of Agriculture in Minnesota Lake; the annual Festag celebration. His leadership in FFA continued after he graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1952 and continued while he was attending the University of Minnesota. In 1953 Charles received the prestigious American Star Farmer Award from the National FFA Organization

His “community” focus shifted when he married the love of his life, Betty Bartelt, November 25, 1953 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minnesota Lake. At that time his priorities shifted to family and farming. He was a natural mentor to his family. He participated in many fun family activities such as softball, volleyball, father/son wrestling, camping, and hiking. He was a natural mentor to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He taught his children the importance of a strong faith and led by example. He was an active member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waldorf. He attended Mass regularly with his family, leading the rosary before Mass, singing in the church choir, and serving as a Communion distributor. He helped with church maintenance and also helped in the creation of the St. Joseph’s Community Cemetery by providing and laying the sod at the new site. He and his wife also provided religious education to parish youth by teaching in the C.C.D. program. He and his wife also were actively involved in the community by doing cemetery restoration, research, and genealogy.

As Charles’s farming career evolved, he taught his family the values that resulted in true success. “Don’t farm for the exercise of farming.” He taught that true success resulted from patience, hard work, optimism, perseverance, and faith. The value of organization and meticulous care of equipment was crucial. Not only did he teach his values to his family, he also practiced these values in his business relationships; sod farming with his partner, Richard Hankerson, and co-owning B&S Grain Company with Gordon Bartelt. He was a leader in establishing the practice of buffer strips in the state of Minnesota. In 2007 he was awarded the Conservationist of the Year by the Waseca County Chapter of Pheasants Forever.

Charles always put others’ needs before his own. He was willing to drop everything to help someone address a need. Not only did he help resolve the issue, but he taught the individuals the skills to deal with it in the future themselves. All that Charles has taught so many throughout his life will live on long after he is gone.

The family would like to recognize and thank Clement Nhyirani, Charles’s special caregiver. His compassionate, loving, respectful care was greatly appreciated. This allowed Charles to live his final days at home as he always wanted.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty; children: Andrew Sonnek, Jonathan Sonnek and Ruth Buswell; grandson Ryon Sonnek; daughters-in-law: Kandy Sonnek and Marcia Sonnek; and his parents.

Charles is survived by his children: Charles “Rick” Sonnek (Barbara Jean) of La Crescent, MN, Tim (Barb) Sonnek of New Prague, MN, Beth (John) Thompson of Rochester, MN, Amy (David) Adams of Minneiska, MN, Steve (Vonnie) Sonnek of St. Clair, MN, Chris (Karen) Sonnek of New Richland, MN, Kellen Sonnek of Fairmont, MN, Perry Sonnek of Muskego, WI, Joy Sonnek of Rochester, MN, Sara Lee Sonnek of Mankato, MN, Peter (Lori) Sonnek of Minnesota Lake, MN, Anthony (Brenda) Sonnek of Elysian, MN, Matthew (Rose) Sonnek of Rochester, MN; son-in-law, Trevor Buswell of Houston, MN; caregiver Clement Nhyirani; siblings: George (Barb) Sonnek, Sister Carmen Sonnek, Betty (Jack) Latourelle and Rita Wisher; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families.