Charlotte Sonnevil

Charlotte Sonnevil, age 105, of Kalamazoo passed away in her home on November 7, 2025. She was born on October 2, 1920, in Hickory Corners, Michigan, the only child of Adolph and Hazel (Wildermuth) Alles.

She was a 1938 graduate of W.K. Kellogg High School earning Salutatorian honors. On December 30, 1942, she married Bernard Sonnevil. While Bernie was serving in Europe with the U.S. Army during WWII, Charlotte worked at Michigan Bell Telephone. There, she met her lifelong friend of 80 years, Joan Noteboom. Upon returning home after his tour of duty, Bernie and his business partner, Marinus Onderlinde, established Kalamazoo Oil Company in 1947. Charlotte joined the Kalamazoo Oil office staff in 1969, became CEO in 1986 and retired in 2015. The Michigan Petroleum Association awarded Charlotte their Pioneer Award honoring her 46 years of dedicated service to the family business.

Charlotte enjoyed gardening and poolside activities with family at her home. She was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Western Michigan University and Michigan State basketball teams. Charlotte was a kind, caring woman with a beautiful smile and a giving heart who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her family includes her children Dave (Kathy) Sonnevil and Susan Sonnevil; her grandchildren Todd Sonnevil and Tami (Bob) Jensen; her great grandchildren Kori, Taylor and Emma; her great great grandchildren Karsen, Jaxten and Emery; a cousin Barry Watkins and Terri Beattie.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bernard Sonnevil in 1986.

A private family graveside service will be held at Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland.

Donations in memory of Charlotte may be made to a charity of choice.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.