David N. Sondeno, 89, of Turlock passed away peacefully on Sat. Nov. 8th surrounded by family.  David was born in Norway to John and Esther Sondeno, and as a young boy the family immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Stanislaus Co.

He was the 7th of 10 children. He gladly served his country as a tail gunner in WWII. While serving he received the WW II Victory Medal. In 1947 David married his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline and had two children. In 1954 he moved his family to Oakdale where he opened Sondeno Pontiac. He also served on the Oakdale City Council, and became Mayor. While he was Mayor he was instrumental in bringing Hershey’s Chocolate to Oakdale. 

In 1974, Dave & Jackie moved to Scotts Valley where he started a new career in construction with his brother and life long friend Phil. After a few years he started his own business Dave Sondeno Construction. He built many custom homes; as well as multiple buildings for Bethany Bible College. One of his biggest accomplishments while in Scotts Valley was to take volunteers and build churches in the Ivory Coast area of S. Africa.

In 1992 he moved back to Turlock and continued his construction business and became a Real Estate Broker. He was the proud owner of Sondeno Plaza, and also involved in developing many local commercial projects. His great joys in life was family unity, especially his granddaughters and great-grandsons and being included in their many activities. 

Over his lifetime he was very active in the local Assembly of God Church and sponsored many missionaries around the world. In his later years he enjoyed his daily cup of coffee with his buddies at Latif’s or LaMo Cafe. He will be truly missed by all who loved him and were touched by his godly life.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jacqueline, children Janice (Joe) Jones and David (Pamela) Sondeno; grandchildren Jennifer (Adam), Janessa (Mike), Kristen (Jake), Rachael and four great-grandsons and longtime friend Michael.

A public viewing will be held Fri. Nov. 21, 2014 from 5pm to 7pm at Allen Mortuary.  A Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm Sat. Nov. 22, 2014 at Northside Assembly of God Church at 200 North Ave, Turlock CA 95380.  Memorial Contributions may be made to: Northside Assembly of God, 200 North Ave, Turlock CA 95380.  Please share your memories at

www.AllenMortuary.com