Denis "Denny" Sonner
Denis “Denny” LoVan Sonner, 71, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 8, 2025, surrounded by family in his beloved hometown of Strasburg following an unflinching and valiant battle with cancer.
Born October 11, 1953, Denny was a 1973 graduate of Strasburg High School. He lived his entire life in that community, serving the town and surrounding areas as a loyal friend and expert Electrician, working alongside his father for years. Chances are, they wired a house or two for you or someone you know.
Denny was a talented drummer in his younger years and enjoyed the music of Kenny G, Chuck Mangione, and Celine Dion. His favorite pastime, however, was sitting on the front porch of his home just on the edge of town, legs crossed, and throwing up a friendly wave to just about everyone passing by.
Denny took immense pride in the Strasburg Fire Department, for which he was a lifetime member with more than 50 years of dedicated service. He beamed with pride knowing he was one of very few people who knew how to drive the old antique fire truck.
The particular level of membership Denny reached in the fire department has its perks, and enjoying a complimentary cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts provided him a much-needed sense of community after he retired. A bad day suddenly turned into a good one the minute he stepped foot into the coffee shop. He was incredibly grateful to be welcomed into the Dunkin’ family with open arms.
He was preceded in death by his father, Louie van Sonner, and sister, Gayle Bendetta Sonner. He is survived by his mother, Fay Eshelman Sonner; a sister Gwendolyn Abruzere (Richard); two sons, Ryan Sonner (Summer) and Joey Sonner; two grandsons, Colten and Carson Sonner; and 10 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
A funeral service for Denny will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Stover Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chris Flohr officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Strasburg. The family will receive friends on Thursday at Stover Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon.
Pallbearers will be Lewis McDonald, Sr., Lewis McDonald, Jr., Tim Weaver, Tim Bob Williams, Larry Wayne Miller, and Harry Miller.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to Strasburg Fire Department, P.O. Box 347, Strasburg, VA 22657, Strasburg Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 620, Strasburg, VA 22657 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Winchester, VA 22657.
You may submit your condolences to the family at www.stoverfuneralhome.com.
Stover Funeral Home and Crematory, Strasburg, VA is honored to serve the family of Denny Sonner.
