Peter Aagaard Sonderegger passed away on Aug. 19, 2012 in hospice care in Fort Myers, Fla.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Shirley; daughters, Karren Yurgalite of Northville, Mich., and Kathryn Sonderegger of Louden, N.H.; his brother, John (Beatrice) Sonderegger; and sister, Ann (Stanley) Alger; along with five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans H. Sonderegger and Edith (Aagaard) Sonderegger, his brother, Paul, and his son, Tom.
Peter grew up in Chicago, spent his high school years in Elmhurst, Ill. and studied journalism at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He began his working career in advertising in Chicago. In the mid 70s, he started a magazine, Great Lakes Living, and later on published Canoe Magazine in St. Paul, Minn.
His career shifted to Maine, when he became general manager of the legendary Old Town Canoe Company. He eventually started a business based on his interests in gardening, Garden Tools of Maine, even inventing a few of his own gardening tools. He sold the business when he and Shirley retired to Florida.
Peter enjoyed a multitude of passions over the years. As a boy, he spent summers at the family home on Lake Beulah and whenever possible throughout his adult life. He was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, loved singing in church choirs, playing handball, gardening, and entertaining.
He was a fan of authors of mysteries such as Agatha Christie and Ruth Rendell and he himself authored two novels, one of which was entitled, “Five Generations on Lake Beulah.” An active observer of politics and current events, he wrote numerous pointed letters to newspaper editors.
His quick, sharp wit made Peter and Shirley friends across the country and the world. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Memorials may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.
Services have been held.
