LES SONTAG

ELSAH — Les Sontag, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 while on a walk near his home in Elsah, Illinois.

Les was born on July 9, 1937, in Troy, Missouri, the son of the late Gilbert and Thelma (Mewes) Sontag.

He married Patti Jack Remington on August, 12, 1971, in Alton, Illinois. She survives.

He graduated from Eden Seminary and pastored for several years before joining Citigroup until he retired in 1993. Les and Patti grew blueberries on their farm, Blueberry Ridge. He volunteered as an EMT in Calhoun and actively volunteered in Calhoun County Government. He enjoyed Sacred Harp singing, building and solving wooden puzzles, and traveling, having been to New Zealand, Europe, and most recently, Alaska. Most of all Les enjoyed being a grandpa and spending time with his family. He was in remission from the rare disease Amyloidosis for 12 years. He was treated at the Mayo Clinic in 2005. He and his wife Patti volunteered as teachers for Stanford University's "Living with Chronic Illness."

In addition to his wife, Patti, he is survived by seven children and their spouses: Tim (Lynn) Sontag of Ohio, Casey Reinking of California, Dan (Debbie) Bernier-Sontag of Vermont, Chris (Cheryl) Reinking of California, Becky (John) Wood of Minnesota, Carl Reinking of New Mexico, and Ruth (Mitch) Waks of Missouri; twelve grandchildren and their spouses Andy (Christina), Nicky, Jade (Chris), Adam, Kayla, Miranda, Annie, Donnie, Arielle, Dylan, Remington, and Rhys; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Alex.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by granddaughter Amber Bernier-Sontag and brother Allen Sontag.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Gress, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, Illinois. Per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be made to Amyloidosis Support Group which he credits for saving his life by sending him to the Mayo Clinic.

Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences and guest book can be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.