Jean M. Sondgerath

Jean M. Sondgerath, 93 of Otterbein died at Five Star Residences, Lafayette Tuesday, January 9, 2024 holding her rosary and a loving sister beside her as she took her last breath and passed into eternal life.

Born in Earl Park on May 27, 1930, she was the eldest child of the late Wiemar W. and Helen M. (Sondgeroth) Sondgerath. She was valedictorian of her graduating class of Ambia High School in 1948. She attended Indiana State Teachers College for two years. She then went on to work for the Diocese of Lafayette for the next 50 years.

Jean was housekeeper and cook for Fr. Frances Scheck until his passing in 1999. The majority of that time was spent at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dunnington, Indiana, serving as the secretary, sacristan, organist, florist, and cleaner of the church. She was also a substitute teacher for St. Mary’s Catholic School in Dunnington. Jean was musically gifted playing the organ for many weddings and funerals. After leaving Dunnington, Jean worked at St. Mary’s Parish in Frankfort for 2 years and then moved to Lafayette where she assisted at St. Ann’s Parish for several years. In “retirement” she worked at A Fire’s Place, a family-owned business in Lafayette, and was organist at St. Charles Catholic Church in Otterbein.

Jean was instrumental in the creation of the Benton County EMS ambulance service devoted to serving the Benton County community. She was also active in the Rosary Sodality at Dunnington and the Legion of Mary in Otterbein.

Surviving are her siblings, Marian Brown (husband Dale R.), Elizabeth (Bette) Brown, and William J. (Bill) Sondgerath (wife Barbara Y.), all of Lafayette, sisters-in-law Barbara I. Sondgerath of Lafayette and Shirley Sondgerath of Ambia, and brother-in-law Bernard Krebs of Otterbein.

She was preceded in death by sister Darlene (Mickie) Krebs and brothers Weimar (Butch), Richard (Dick), and Ronald (Ron), brother-in-law E. Robert (Bob) Brown, and sister-in-law Patrecia (Pat) Sondgerath.

“Aunt Jean” loved spending time with her family, especially her 29 nieces and nephews and her many, wonderful, great and great-great nieces and nephews. She will truly be missed.

A rosary service will be held at 10 a.m. with visitation to follow until the time of the funeral Mass at 12 noon Friday, January 12, 2024 at St. Charles Catholic Church, Otterbein, Fr. Sean Aaron officiating. Interment to follow at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Dunnington.

Memorials may be given in Jean’s name to St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dunnington, Bravely Women’s Health in Lafayette, or Indiana Right to Life.