Morris Arthur Sonderegger

Dr. Morris A. Sonderegger died on July 1, 2012 at age 100. He was born Feb. 21,1912 to Charles Sonderegger and Mabel Sonderegger in Beatrice, NB. Morris, known by his friends as “Sandy, “Monte” or “Doc” was preceded in death by his loving wife, Edwina “Maddy” Sonderegger. He is survived by his three children, Sue (Jon) Key of Reno, NV, C. Brian (Laurie) Sonderegger M.D.of Carson City, NV, John A. Sonderegger Esq. of Sacramento, CA., and grandchildren, Major Kevin Key of FL, Melinda Key of Reno, NV. Justin (Brighid) Sonderegger M.D. of Reno, NV and Kristen (Aaron) Brockway of Carson City, NV., and great grandchildren Westen Key and Luke Key. Monte grew up in Beatrice, NB, and had his first job at age 7 working on his grandfather’s nursery. He loved music and learned to play the coronet at age 4. He played with the Beatrice Municipal Band by age 8. In high school, he formed is own band, the Music Men. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he toured with Red Nickels and The Five Pennies playing his trumpet. He returned to school, working two jobs in order to graduate from the University of Nebraska in Pre-med and obtained his doctorate degree from the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. He moved to Montreal, Canada for his internship at McGill University Hospital. During a rotation in Bermuda, he met his wife, Madeline, R.N. of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. They married and moved to Ely, Nevada, where he was employed by Kennecott Copper Corp. He later started a private family practice in Ely, NV. Monte joined the Navy after the December 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor and was deployed to the Pacific, where he was assigned to the U.S. Marines as a combat physician, landing on Guadalcanal in August 1942. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor on August 8,1943. Returning to Ely, NV, he continued to practice Family Medicine. His children contracted polio in 1954; he relocated his practice to Reno, NV. He never stopped learning and applied his knowledge to caring for his patients. He retired at age 70 to travel around the world with his wife, Maddy. There will be a service at Hillside Four Square Church, 3200 Sutro St. Reno, NV on July 7, 2012 at 1:00p.m. with a reception to follow. There will be a private family burial at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the University of Nevada School of Medicine or Vistacare Hospice Foundation of Nevada, P.O. Box 51138, Sparks, Nevada, 89435 or a charity of your choice.