Merrill K. "Sonny" Hohenberger, 90, Newell, died Tuesday, June 28, 2011, near his home in Newell.

Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6th at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Burial will follow at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

Sonny was born August 23, 1920, at Belle Fourche. His family homesteaded north of Stoneville. Sonny was raised on the family ranch. Following graduation from high school, Sonny returned to ranching.

On January 2, 1947, Sonny married Phyllis Lemmel. The couple ranched east of Newell where Sonny raised registered Hereford cattle and Rambouillet sheep.

During the late 80's, they moved to Newell and semi-retired. Sonny became an avid fisherman in his spare time. He also enjoyed playing cards and visiting with his friends over coffee. He could be found in the bleachers wherever his grandkids were playing sports.

Survivors include his son, Doug (Cheryl) Hohenberger, Newell; daughter, Lisa (Pat) Schieffer, Sturgis; sisters, Adele (John) Houston, Portland, OR, and Elaine Byers, Moscow, ID; seven grandchildren, Radley (fiancée, Kelcie Cross), Kirk, Tyler, Ryan, Drew, Dawson, and Dylan; and one great-granddaughter, Kynlee.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis in 2003, and brothers-in-law, Hank Severson and Roland Byers.

A memorial has been established.

Click on link to view service folder