After 84 years of brightening everyone’s life with his love and sense of humor, Carl M. Gonderman would like y’all to know his work here is done. He got another offer he could not refuse with the man upstairs.
He can now reunite with his parents Buelah & Johnny Diggle, his infant son Carl and his eldest sister Mickey. Our Heavenly Father brought Carl peace and to rest on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 2:59 a.m. (He was born on May 1, 1934 in Modesto, CA.)
Carl will forever be loved and remembered by the love of his life, Donna R. Gonderman (Johnson). They had only known each other a week and a half before they started their marriage on June 7, 1952 of 66 years. Holding hands, sweet cards and flirting never stopped between them.
He was and continues to be so loved by his 5 sisters Mickey, Peggy Smith, Patricia Brooks, Darlene Spencer and Viginia Winiger. He was the only boy and was very protective of them. They gave him a run for his money which groomed him for raising 5 girls and a son of his own. He will without a doubt be forever in the hearts of his children Joyce Gonderman, Teena Gonderman, Patty Goodman, Linda Baker, Brenda McCoy (Ronnie) and Timothy Gonderman. Along with 17 grandchildren, Michelle Rosas, Shawna Barnes, Tommy Barnes, Carl E. Gonderman, Carol McCloskey, Sarah Tomisser, Jeremiah Carter, Andrea Scherpich, Jessica Piniero, Aimee McCloskey, Dawna Morgan, Desiree Brunmier, Prissella Carlson, Krista McCoy, Johnny Goodman, Brandi McCoy & Jeremy McCoy and his 56 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Carl was a truck driver for 46 years, traveling with his family all over the United States. He retired from Van Diest trucking company. That is what brought them to Yakima, WA in 1981. With his passion of working on cars, he graduated from Perry Technical Institute automotive program in the 1990’s. He took such pride in the various projects he was always working on, remodeling their house, working on his yard and antique cars. Many hours of his days were outside in his shop or in the yard. He loved taking his family camping, rough housing, playing cards, dice and board games. And of course he’d love to keep score so he could win. He was known for singing his goofy songs and dance moves from the time he woke up until he went to sleep.
Carl was the backbone of his family. The impact he had on so many of his family members made many of them the person they are today & that impact will continue even with him gone. He is already missed so very much, but he will definitely never be forgotten! In his remembrance, be sure to add a quarter to your tab to him for having the honor of reading how incredibly amazing his was and will always be.
A visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Funeral service will be on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Keith & Keith at 1 PM.