DARRELL (Deke) CARSTEN SONNICHSEN 

                               1931 - March 21, 2022

                                        Resident:  Menlo Park, California 

Darrell (Deke) Carsten Sonnichsen died peacefully of natural causes on March 21, 2022 at Mission Woodside in Redwood City. He was born in 1931 in San Jose, however was raised in Palo Alto where his paternal grandparents settled from Denmark in 1904. He helped his father Carsten and grandfather Laust Sonnichsen, at their Palo Alto Market at 315 University Ave., delivering during WWII.

In elementary school he got the nickname “The Decon” for the eloquent speeches he made during recess and adopted the shortened version “Deke” for the rest of his life. He graduated Paly High with the class of 1949 and then attended Cal Poly. In 1951 prompted Deke to enlist and he served three years in the 82nd Airborne Division. After his military service in 1954 he married Joanne Peterson (deceased). They had a son Kirk “Pr Sonnichsen (deceased). Deke worked at Lockheed Missile & Space Company as an engineering coordinator for satellite projects from 1959 to 1992.

Deke enjoyed the sky and inspired others to do the same from sport parachuting and hot air ballooning. He was a pioneer in both sports. Among his accomplishments and contributions: Founded California Parachute Club (1956) Member/Team Leader for US Parachute Team in 1957-1964. President, Parachute Club of American 63-64. Set Four World Balloon Records, 66. Founded WHAMOBASS Balloon Rally 65. Oldest continuing Balloon Event in World. FAA Balloon Examiner 67-03. Inducted into Balloon Hall of Fame, National Balloon Museum in 2007. Inducted into Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2019. Deke was a member of E Clampus Vitus, the Roxbourg Club and was on the San Mateo County Historical Resources. In the mid 80’s Deke became involved in anvil firing to the delight of onlookers at Union Cemetery on Memorial Day and Fourth of July celebrations.

Deke is survived by his brother David Lawrence Sonnichsen, niece Victoria Olsen and her son Thom Olsen. Deke will be interred at Alta Mesa Cemetery, Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the American Cancer Society and National Institute of Mental Health.