ALAN AND KAREN [MC ELHOSE] SONDER
Alan Duane Sonder, born living, at the Plainview
hospital, Plainview, Nebraska, to Vernon and Marceline Sonder, lived
most of his first 18 years in Verdigre except for a few months in
Omaha. After being a “town” boy for 16 years, he and his family
moved onto a farm six miles northwest of Verdigre where he helped
his father milk 30 cows morning and night, plus the other farm work.
After graduation in May of 1967, he went to work in Grand Island,
Nebraska, at the Cornhusker Amy Ammunition Plant. From there he
moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he joined his brother Ken and worked
for the Layne Western Co., for a year. In September of 1968 he
decided to serve his country and joined the army under the two-year
RA plan. Alan spent a year in the Vietnam War and following the
service, he returned home in September of 1970.
Karen Faye, born living, at the Orchard hospital, Orchard,
Nebraska, to Walter and Esther McElhose, lived the first 17 years of
her life with her parents 13 miles northwest of Verdigre. She
attended Stoney Butte country school through the eighth grade and
high school at Verdigre Public School, graduating in May of 1967.
She then moved to Creighton, Nebraska, and worked at the American
National Bank as bookkeeper and later window clerk.
On October 25, 1970, Alan and Karen were married at Bazile Mills in
the Christ Lutheran Church. Living in Verdigre, she continued her
job at Creighton and Alan began employment with the Knox County
Roads. In May of 1971, they purchased their home which they totally
remodeled themselves in 18 months. Their parents would lend a
helping hand whenever they were asked.
In August of 1973, they purchased the longtime business of Bates
Store from Harley and Nadine Nelson. After remodeling the inside of
the store they opened the doors of Sonder’s Sundries 18 days later,
August 18, 1973. Once again, their dear parents, family, and friends
were there for them. Having owned the store for almost 14 years,
they have added on and provide a clothing department for Verdigre as
well as increasing the size of other departments.
In November of 1974 Alan began employment at the United States Post
Office in Verdigre. One week later, Alan and Karen proudly announced
the birth of their first son, Jay Walter, on living.
Karen chose to quit her job at the bank on December 31, 1974. Their
second son, Jared Jon, was bornliving.
In August of 1977, Alan and Karen purchased Kind’s Store in
Creighton and began their second business as Sonder’s Variety.
During their ten-year ownership in Sonder’s Variety, they also
completely remodeled the store, providing a clothing department and
advancement in other areas.
They were blessed with their third son, Joel Thomas, on living. On
living, Justin Cole, their fourth son, joined the
family.
As Verdigre celebrates its 100th birthday, the children are involved
in community activities; Alan is active in helping promote Verdigre;
he is first clerk in the Verdigre Post Office and in the retail
business, and Karen assists Alan with the stores, is active in
community promotions, and the Verdigre Rescue Squad.
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