Cyriel ‘Sonny’ Sinnaeve

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died April 12, 2020

Cyriel (Sonny) W. Sinnaeve, age 85, of Gladstone, died of natural causes on April 12, 2020 at home in Gladstone.
Born September 2, 1934 in Covert, MI to Cyril and Margaretta (Gregory) Sinnaeve. Sonny was raised in the St. Nicholas area near Perkins, his family later moved to Gladstone. In 1953 he joined the U.S. Army. He served in Korean War where his Unit received a Citation with one Bronze Star for the evacuation of Puson. After the Military Sonny came home and married the former Marlene Ducheny on November 10, 1956, they just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last fall.

Sonny started his work career after the military at the Buckeye, he then worked for Cleveland Cliffs at the Pioneer Pellet Plant and Ore Improvement Plants in Negaunee for 17 years in Maintenance. In 1974 he started working for Skelgas as a Plant Manager in Gladstone for 9 years. Then he went to work at the Escanaba Paper Mill as a Pipefitter for 14 years. There were many friends that were developed at the Mill, he enjoyed his work and time there.

He retired in 1996 where he started his second life of going to camp in Perkins. He loved spending time and doing odds and ends at camp constantly. That was where he felt his best, he could relax (which he didn’t do much of, always doing something). Hunting season was what he looked forward to every year, it was a time for stories, comradery and even some hunting.

He loved his Detroit sports teams, even though he didn’t see many championships as of lately he never stopped rooting for the Lions, Tigers and Red Wings. One of his greatest honors was when he took the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to see all the war memorials and when Congressman Stupak presented him with his military medals. He took pride in being a veteran and serving our country.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Marlene of Gladstone, Four Sisters, Berta Maki of Kipling, Nancy Slagstadt of Norway, MI, Mary Ann Sinnaeve of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Angel Waeghe of Kipling and one brother, Frank Sinnaeve of Gladstone, Sons Tom(Marie) Sinnaeve of Marquette, Steve(Mendy Kolbus) Sinnaeve of Rapid River and daughter, Kathy(Kenny) Mathers of Gladstone. Grandchildren Kristi Duerson of Rapid River, Nick Young of Rapid River and Ashley Sinnaeve of Luxumber, WI. Great Grandchildren, Mya, Kaden, Brendan, Emily and Erin.
Visitation for Sonny Sinnaeve will be at Skradski Family Funeral Home in Gladstone, but due to the coronavirus and the Governor’s stay at home order there will not be a public service, only for immediate family. Sonny was a member of All Saints Catholic Church of Gladstone. His Faith in the Lord was unwavering and is now with Our Father in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Sinnaeve family.

25 Tributes for “Cyriel ‘Sonny’ Sinnaeve”

    Sonny was a great friend/neighbor. Our family will definitely miss him. He was like a grandpa to our kids giving them candy daily when they would stop by his house. We are praying for his wife Marlene and the rest of the Sinnaeve family during this time of loss.
    ~Brad and Misti McDonald & family

    My uncle Sonny was a very kind man. I remember him as a hard worker. He worked after his regular job–fixing machinery for others–helping friends & family with their big projects. He had a huge, scary looking dog named Taz who rode in the back of his truck and guarded the tool box. Uncle Sonny said not to be afraid of Taz–that he really was a big baby. Uncle Sonny loved animals –dogs & cats alike.
    Uncle Sonny liked to bake. After he retired, Uncle Sonny made desserts for his friends who were still working. He gave me his prized recipe for Banana Cake~that takes banana bread to another level.
    I’m remembering one special Easter when he was in Milwaukee for surgery at the V.A. hospital. I invited him and Aunt Marlene to have Easter dinner with us. I baked a Lemon Meringue Pie (for the first time) so it wasn’t perfect. Uncle Sonny praised the pie and asked for a 2nd piece! So I’ve made Lemon Meringue pie for every Easter dinner since.
    I remember going on a walk with him & Taz to the lake once. He picked some clam shells & handed them to me and said they were for my daughter (who was 5).
    Uncle Sonny gave me some good advice to understand my father better which I’ll never forget.
    I came this quote: “The highest form of wisdom is kindness.” Uncle Sonny’s kindness and wisdom will be missed.

    Sonny was such a wonderful neighbor. For many years he would clean my furnace for me. One of the most gentle, soft spoken people I’ve known. Always in good spirits. Always smiling! Good to the kids in the neighborhood as well! I worked with his son Tom at the northern motor company many years ago. Sonny and I would often discuss cars, as we were both devout “Ford” guys! My sincere sympathy to Marlene and family at this time.

    I had the honor to be part of Sonny’s family for past 15 years. Sonny welcomed me and my family with open arms, always had a smile & hug when we met. I will forever hold memories of camp, holiday dinners and a having a cold beer with Sonny telling hunting stories of the one that got away. He will be greatly missed.

    Dear Marlene, Tom, Kathy, & Steve, Rodney and l are so sorry to hear about Sonney! He will be missed dearly!! You have are sincere Sympathy! It’s kinda hard on Rodney losing one of his best friend!! You all will be in our prayers ! Love Rodney and Kathy ❤️ Please give your Mom a hug from us !!

    Sonny and Marlene used to come into the 4js restaurant all the time. He was such a kind person and a happy soul. My children loved stopping by his house for a piece of candy! I’m sure he looked forward to seeing all the neighborhood kids come to his door!! He will be truly missed.

    I got to know this wonderful man and his wife while working at Walmart. Always love to help them anyway I could. Made it even more fun when I found out Frankie was his brother. Prayers to the whole family. Know he touched many lives of people you may not know.

    Met Sonny when he came to the papermill. I worked in the Storeroom, so I dealt with him quite often when he needed pipefitting parts. He was one of the good people!!! I would run into him shopping, usually at Elmer’s Market, and we’d always chat a while. To Sonny’s family, know that you have my deepest Sympathy. RIP my friend!

    I had the great honor to meet Sonney and be his neighbor. He was a great man and a wonderful neighbor. He will be missed dearly. My Prayers to his wife and family

    So sorry for your loss. He was also part of our family. Such a loving and caring person to all. Lots of hugs and prayers to all the family. You will be in our hearts during this time of your life. We have lots of fond memories of Sonny and we will miss him.

    Our deepest condolences to Marlene and children on the loss of Sonny. We will always remember the good times we enjoyed together as couples in our youth. Our prayers are with your family.

    So sorry for your loss. I first met Sonny at the Paper Mill. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to help when needed. We eventually became camp neighbors and looked forward to hunting season and Sonny’s annual camp party. Sonny will be missed.

    Marlene, Tom, Kathy, Steve and family,
    Our deepest condolences to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Iris (Zimmel) Maki, Tammy (Maki) Hanson

    I only got to meet Sonny in the last year. But thought the world of him. He was always so happy and smiling and we shared a lot about different people we knew. I will miss his pats on my shoulder and smiling face as I left the house and him telling me to have a good day. Prayers for his wife Marlene and his family. I will really miss him.

    I was saddened to hear of Sonny’s passing. He and Marlene were great friends of my parents. Sonny and my dad worked together at Skelgas and they also worked in the woods skidding popple on Saturdays for several years with their sons, the two Toms. From yacht club partys to camping, to snowmobiling, to visits at the kichen table, time spent with Sonny and Marlene made up many of my parents favorite memories. The real talent of Sonny and my dad was telling stories. The kind of knee slapping stories that had you wiping tears from laughing so hard. Deep felt sympathy and hugs to Marlene, Tom, Kathy, Steve, and their families. Rest in peace Sonny. You were definitely one of the good ones.
    Diane (Tousignant) Jensen

    Steve, so sorry for your loss. You have our heartfelt condolences…You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
    Bill and Kathy Shine and Bill ( Butchie ) Shine of Chicago.

    Tom you are the most wonderful person. It has to stem from a special mother and father. So sorry for your loss. God Bless your family

    Rita

    My Mother (Linda Williams) wanted me to pass along her condolences, my Grandmother Vivian lived next door and Sonny was always so kind in helping her. My folks were so thankful that she had great neighbors like you both that looked after her. You are in our thoughts and prayers, God bless.

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