After nearly a 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis, Robert Francis Sondel of North Miami Beach, Fla., died May 7. He was 77.
He and his twin brother, Jim, were born in Madison to Birdie and Nathan Sondel. The family lived in Chicago and settled in Milwaukee, where his love of sports flourished.
After graduation from Whitefish Bay High School in 1942, both brothers enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served together in the South Pacific. After the war, they returned to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin from 1946-48. They helped the UW Bantam Badgers football team become Big Ten champion in 1947. Bob played guard and was captain when UW defeated Ohio State in Columbus. He received his UW champion ring 50 years later.
In 1948, the brothers followed in their father’s footsteps and opened realty and construction companies in Milwaukee. They worked together in Son-Twin Builders and Sondel Brothers Realty until 1978, when Bob retired to Miami Beach.
Sondel married Audrey Dworkus in 1949. They lived in Whitefish Bay and Fox Point, where they raised two sons. “He delighted in being involved in our childhood and teenage activities,” his sons recalled.
He was an avid golfer, fisherman and coached many sports. He belonged to Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun and was a supporter of Israel.
Diagnosed with MS in 1973, he continued to enjoy worldwide adventures with his wife until her death in 1992. Shortly thereafter, his illness progressed, causing profound disability over the past decade.
His family said, “His courage, ability to withstand physical and mental pain, and love of his family served as an inspiration to us all.”
In addition to his brother Jim of Fox Point, he is survived by sons Paul (Sherie) Sondel and Nick Sondel, both of Madison; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leland and Elaine Rogers of Boca Raton, Fla.; and four grandchildren.
Rabbi Jan Brahms and Larry Kohn of Temple Beth El in Madison officiated at funeral services held in Milwaukee on May 10. Burial was in Spring Hill Cemetery.
The family would appreciate memorials to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter, W223 N608 Saratoga Dr., Waukesha, WI 53186; or the Jewish National Fund, 4314 Waite Cir., Madison, WI 53705.
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