The Lord called Tom back to His home on April 21, 2008. Tom was born on August 19, 1918 in Bonesteel, South Dakota, In 1929, the family moved to Charleston Road in Mountain View, California to establish a family dairy.
During WWII in 1941, Tom enlisted into the U.S. military service as a “SeaBee.”
After military service and honorable discharge, Tom, with his four brothers, founded the Sondgroth Bros. Construction Company in Mountain View in 1946. Located just off San Antonio Road near El Camino Real, the brothers operated the paving and grading company for almost 20 years until its sale in 1965.
Upon retirement, Tom was free to pursue his passion for “the cowboy life.” He bought a ranch in San Juan Bautista, California where he began ranching a few head of cattle. He loved to team rope and attend brandings with his many cowboy friends. Tom even took advantage of the opportunity to attend the annual Rancheros Visitadores ride in Santa Barbara, California, a 60 mile cattle drive.
Tom is survived by Emma – his loving wife and companion of 40 years, his son Tommy and his daughter Judy. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a brother, three sisters and hundreds of friends who will miss him dearly.
Tom, may you always drink upstream from the herd and may you never kick a cow chip on a hot day….We love you.
A mass will be held for Tom at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday April 29, 2008 at St. Catherines Church, 17400 Peak Ave., Morgan Hill, CA.
Immediately following the mass, a memorial in celebration of Tom’s life will be held at The Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill, CA.
