Ted Michael Sonderegger

Ted Michael Sonderegger, 70, of Lincoln, passed away at home on January 30, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ted was born on April 2, 1951, in Beatrice, Nebraska. He was the middle child of Bill and Leoda Sonderegger. Ted graduated from Lincoln Southeast High school in 1969 and he then attended the University of Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and he later served in leadership roles for the fraternity. While at UNL, Ted fell in love with Mary Ann Suess and they married in 1973. They made many memories together during their 48-year marriage. Mary Ann was by his side when he passed away.

Shortly after marrying, Ted and Mary Ann moved to Carol Stream, IL for Ted’s employment with GTE, and then to North Hollywood, California. They enjoyed early married life in Sherman Oaks, California. Ted and Mary Ann welcomed their daughter, Kristin, in 1978. They moved back to Lincoln in 1980 to raise their family, and Tom was born later that year. Ted coached and spectated the numerous sports and activities their kids took part in throughout their school years.

Ted’s career in the telecommunications industry spanned more than 40 years, beginning with a summer job with Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph in college. There were multiple industry successions which included many great years and friendships. Ted loved his trips to Little Rock while working at Alltel, and retired from Verizon Wireless in 2012.

Like all true Nebraskans, Ted loved Husker football, and his spirited cheering (or cursing depending on the game) could often be heard outside the house on game days. Ted relished a lifelong love of fishing and hunting, and he enjoyed many memorable trips to Canada, Alaska, Wyoming, and South Dakota with family and friends. He taught both of his kids to fish, and he enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren as well. He was an active member of Red Deer Hunting Club and Ducks Unlimited. He avidly supported Cabela’s and Scheels to the extent he earned hardbound catalogs and more Scheels t-shirts than any one person should own.

Ted was an engaging and gregarious man who possessed an exceptional ability to converse with anyone he encountered. He was an incomparable storyteller; he spared no details. He was devoted to the people and activities he enjoyed, and loved meeting his buddies for breakfast every week. He and his beloved Labrador Retriever, Abby, were inseparable. Ted will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.

Ted is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; children, Kristin (Peter) Somers of Rochester, MN, Tom (Meghan) Sonderegger of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Greta and Jack Somers, Jacob Hiatt, and Julia Sonderegger; mother, Leoda Sonderegger; brother Kurt (Sue) Sonderegger; sister-in-law, Sharon Suess; nephews Ryan (Keely) Suess, and Justin (Emily) Suess; extended family members and many close friends. Ted was preceded in death by his father, Bill Sonderegger; sister, Julie Sonderegger; and brother-in-law, Ron Suess.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society and HoriSun Hospice. The Sonderegger family is grateful for the compassionate and dignity-preserving care HoriSun Hospice provided Ted. Condolences may be left with Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.