This site is dedicated to the memory of Sonny.

Sonny was born in Keokuk, IA. on August 28, 1934. He is much loved and will always be remembered by all his friends and family.

Contribute

Help grow Sonny's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.

Thoughts

"See ya later Sonny" Hi Sonny, How have you been today? It saddened us when Barb called and told us that you'd passed away. Marge & I wish we'd known you better Sonny... what more can I say? Marge told me that she had a nice talk with you on the phone when was pregnant with Jay. Your family & friends hope to see you in heaven again someday. I remember meeting you & Connie at Grandma Mellinger's trailer one time. Marge & I have been married for 36 1/2 years and we're doing just fine. Marge told me her dad "Bob Phillips" used Lava soap to wash his hands because he said it cut the grease and grime. Marge told me you and her dad thought alot of each other. That's probably because you were her uncle... her mom's brother. I didn't get a chance to meet Marge's Mother. That's pretty neat that you shared buckets of vegetables from your garden with neighbors and used to be a trucker. I work on a lineboat called "The Bernard G". The company I work for is "Alter Barge Lines"...you see. I started out as a deckhand, then became a pilot on the tugs, and now I'm a "Captain" and can do all three. Marge & the kid's say I'm their "Hero" and their very proud of me. The food they serve me on the boat is as good as it can be. Marge did this memorial to honor your memory. She's a good woman and means the world to me. She & I are happily married and we have the perfect family. I've been working on the river now for right at 31 years. It wasn't an easy adjustment at first and If I remember right Marge & I cried a few tears. I have to stop the boat and wait it out sometimes until the fog clears. I eat oatmeal every morning for breakfast on the boat with milk, cinnamon, and honey. The sky's the limit when it comes to the money! Gotta go catch the boat so, "See ya later Sonny"! Poem by: Marge Hillgartner To: Sonny From: John Hillgartner Sonny's niece xoxo
MARGE
17th March 2008
John & I dedicate the song "Proud Mary" on behalf of Sonny's love for the river.
MARGE
12th March 2008
A Loved One Has Died And we are filled with feelings of loss and tears of emptyness. Surround us with friends. Support us as we share this mystery of meaning and this common burden of grief together. In this quiet silence we have only your caring presence to help comfort us and assure us that the person we have lost, touched more lives than ours. For that we are sincerely grateful. In Loving Memory of: Jeffrey Edward Land xoxo The son of: Ed & Pat Land The Brother of: Tracy Arnold & Jenny Land Rose Hopson's Grandson Sonny & Connie Land's Grandson Jesse Land & Sarah Mellinger's Great Grandson Waldo & Delphine Phillip's Great Grandson This scripture was taken from the memorial card from Jeff's funeral. Jeff is dearly loved and deeply missed by all of his family & friends.
MARGE
12th March 2008