Florence Sondrol, 87, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday February 14, 2017 at Oelwein Health Care Center with her family by her side.  Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Friday February 24, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday February 25, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein with Rev. Leo Combs-Lay officiating.  Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.  A memorial fund has been established.

Florence Janette (Finstad) Sondrol was born on July 31, 1929 in the Town of Sumner near Osseo, WI to parents Carl and Margaret (Castad) Finstad.  She graduated from Whitehall High School in Whitehall, WI with the class of 1947.  She then was employed in the County Agent’s Office in Whitehall for 5 ½ years.  Florence then was employed as a Unit Control Manager with Sears, Roebuck & Company in LaCrosse, WI for the next 5 ½ years.

On December 28, 1958 she was united in marriage with Knute Sondrol at Kings Valley Lutheran Church near Osseo, WI.  Knute and Florence owned and operated the A&W Root Beer Stand in Oelwein from 1958-1976.  Then In 1985, they reopened as Sondrol’s Family Restaurant until 1991.

Florence was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxiliary and the Eastern Star Chapter #45, all of Oelwein.

Florence cherished the many life-long friendships her family made while owning the A&W Root Beer Stand.  She enjoyed going to the Oelwein Mealsite when able to.  She enjoyed visiting with her many friends, especially Garnet, Maxine and Betty.  Florence also enjoyed attending auctions and setting up at antique shows across the Midwest with her son David, making many friendships along the way.  Florence was proud of her Norwegian heritage, especially when she married a Norwegian native.  She was a special Mom who will be greatly missed by all she knew.

Left to celebrate Florence’ life are her sons: David Sondrol of Oelwein, John Sondrol of Corpus Christi, TX, step-son Ken (Pam) Sondrol of Longview, TX; her grandson Johnathan (Kayla) Sondrol of Ft. Worth, TX, step-grandchildren: Sarah, D’Ann, Kelly and families of Texas; her sister Myrtle Dodge of Eau Claire, WI; her brother-in-law Robert Mulder of Kenosha, WI; many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Knute (1988); her sisters: Arlene Mulder and Kathryn (brother-in-law Roy) Gerkovich; her brothers: Perry, Roger and George Finstad; her brother-in-law Charles Dodge; her nephew Nick Gerkovich; her step-granddaughter Robin and husband David Bienz.

Florence’ family would like to thank the staff of Oelwein Health Care Center for the excellent care given to her and her family this past year.