Sonja Gegel

Sonja Okeson Gegel, age 93, of Centerville, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025 at Bethany Village. She was born to Swedish immigrants, the daughter of the late Carl J. And Elsa H. Okeson in Dayton, Ohio on December 13, 1931.

She joked that she was “a sprout from a greenhouse”. Her parents were commercial florists and the business was located adjacent to their home. She grew up among the flowers and had a lifetime love of gardening and nature. She was a Master Gardener and her knowledge could rival most anyone. Sonja was a founding member of Greenview Garden Club, volunteered at Aullwood Gardens and Cox Arboretum. She was a member of the Hosta Society and supported the Arc of Appalachia nature preserve.

Sonja graduated from Fairview High School class of 1950. Her parents valued education and modern for the time, believed girls should be able to support themselves. Sonja attended The Ohio State University before transferring to the University of Dayton where she graduated with a BS in Education. She taught business education for a year and then became the executive secretary to the president of NCR. Sonja met her husband, Harold L. Gegel (Hal), at a dance at the Officer’s Club at WPAFB. They were married in July of 1957 and had three daughters. Sonja became a busy stay at home mom. She created an organization system for everything. She always kept a beautiful home and garden. She encouraged her daughters to get an education and pursue their interests. Sonja was an accomplished piano player with the ability to play by ear any music that she had heard. She often entertained her family and small groups with her playing. Hal and Sonja enjoyed attending and supporting the Arts in Dayton. They both had love for animals and welcomed many pets into their home while supporting local animal rescue organizations in Dayton. They were members of David’s Church in Kettering. After Hal’s passing in 2021, Sonja moved to Crescent Crossing at Bethany VIllage where she made many dear friends. She enjoyed attending chair yoga, concerts, playing Uno, Bunco, and worked complex puzzles with her friends every day. She enjoyed spending time with her family and got amusement from her great grandchildren visiting. She lived a full life of 93 years caring for others and will be missed by family and friends.

Sonja was preceded in death by her daughter Lisa A. McDaniel (Gegel), and her husband of 64 years, Harold Louis Gegel.

She is survived by her brother Carl S. (Sandra) Okeson, her daughters Karen (George) Sideris, Gretchen (Jim) Pribula, Grandchildren Drew (Kristen) McDaniel, Tyler (Jenna) McDaniel, Kirsten Pribula, Keri Pribula, and Great Grandchildren Madelyn and Emma (Drew and Kristen) and Brynn and Asher (Tyler and Jenna).

The family would like to thank the staff of Cascade and Crescent Crossing at Bethany Village for providing loving care. We would like to thank Hospice of Dayton for their support.

Family will have a private service and burial