Michael Sondrol, 76, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, passed away on September 3, 2025.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at Sandhill Church, Climax, MN on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2 pm with a 3 pm visitation/dessert reception following at the Climax Community Center. Being a very proud military veteran, Mike always wore a RED shirt on Fridays in honor of Remember Everyone Deployed. If you wish, wear red in his honor for the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Michael was born on August 2, 1949, in Crookston, Minnesota, and grew up in Buxton, North Dakota. He was the son of Marlo and Eunice Sondrol.
Michael proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a member of the Special Forces Green Berets during the Vietnam War. His courage and commitment were recognized with numerous honors; Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Parachute Badge and Jump Wings, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Four Overseas Bars, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar, Good Conduct Medal.
Michael married his childhood friend, Cyndi Neil, on July 15, 1972. Together they raised their son, Josh, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Michael began a long career with Job Service of North Dakota, retiring in 1999. He was also an active member of I.A.P.E.S., serving as the North Dakota Chapter President from 1991–1992. A proud hockey father, he loved following Josh through youth programs and high school hockey. In 2001, Michael and Cyndi relocated to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where they enjoyed the desert community until her passing after 37 years of marriage.
Michael enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, hunting, and shaking dice. He and Cyndi shared a love of woodworking and created many craft items that filled their home and the homes of others. In recent years, Michael found great joy in cheering on and supporting his granddaughter’s extracurricular activities. He always had Tootsie Pops and cheese balls on hand just for them.
He is survived by his mother Eunice Sondrol, Crookston MN; son Josh (Catie) Sondrol and granddaughters Madi and Peyton Sondrol, Lake Havasu City AZ; and his siblings Connie (Ronnie) Haller, Crookston MN; Bruce (Debbie) Sondrol, Lake City MN and Sherri (Richard) Allard, W Fargo ND; Cyndi’s siblings Deb (Darrell) Larson, Lisa (Mike) Moen and Brenda Brunolli, all of Reynolds ND; Kate (Kendall) Nesvig, Buxton ND; Scott Neil, Detroit Lakes MN and Jeff (Jodi) Neil, Cass Lake MN and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Cyndi (Neil) Sondrol; father Marlo, brother Steven, sister Joyleen and baby brother; grandparents Ole and Caroline Sondrol and Henry and Lottie Urness; Cyndi’s parents, Robert and LouAnn Neil.