Donald Ralph Sowder Obituary
Donald Ralph Sowder, 80 of Apache Junction, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, and with family by his side New Year’s Eve. Born 3/30/35 in Mora, MN, Don was forced to learn the value of hard work at an early age after both parents died when he was just 8 years old.
Don served in the Korean War and was a proud US Marine. In his civilian life, he spent many years as a landscaper and in the furniture business.
Don was married to Janet C. Sowder (Haase) on October 13, 1977. He was a loving husband and they were married 38 years. He is survived by his children: Shawn, Scottie, Michelle, Jamie, and Jared. He was a devoted father and could be found on the softball fields as head coach of his kid’s teams. He taught them the fundamentals of sports but emphasized above all else good sportsmanship.
He loved teasing and playing with his grandkids: Zach, Jake, Ryan, Sydnie, Brianna, Colin, Abby, and McKayla. They were the twinkle in his eye.
He loved a good western, even if he had already seen it a dozen times. His most peaceful times were spent in the mountains, around a campfire. He had a passion for animals and training horses. We believe he is in paradise now riding horses and playing with puppies. There will be a memorial barbeque in Don’s honor at a date yet to be determined.
Thank you my love for thirty-eight years. Thank you for our beautiful children. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I will always be your wife and I love and miss you so much. The kids are taking good care of me but neither of us would have expected any less. I hope you are at peace and no longer in pain. I would give you the world if I could. Until we meet again my love.
Gonna miss you Ralphie!!
R.I.P Cowboy!!
Love, Bear
My heartfelt condolences to the Sowder family. I know how much he was loved and will be missed. I have fond memories of Don. He had a wonderful sense of humor, that kept everyone on their toes. Love and Blessings sent to each of you.
Scott Sowder
Daddy was a true cowboy . when Shawn was 4 years old he showed up at his birthday party with a pony . funny part was it was in the bed of his Dodge pick up . Ronny Jenner and I were doing a auction in Scottsdale az. When I was 17 years old . that’s when I met my sisters and brother for the first time with my step mom Janet Haase Sowder. She welcomed me with open arms .my dad was such a lucky man to have such a understanding and likeable wife. His kids turned out to be honest , catering and successfull people . Daddy was proud of all of us and he had the best sense of humor . He was such a proud grandpa. Always joking and messing with all of us . I’m so glad that the decision was made to respect daddy’s wishes . We all wanted to be selfish and keep him alive the I’d rather have half of him than none of him . I got to have breakfast with home 3 days before he passed . He rubbed my arm at breakfast and told me that he loved me . It crushed me inside to leave that day and in my heart I knew he was at peace. I thanked him so many times for giving me a little brother and sisters and a step mom that I adore. Thank you daddy for all the laughs and all the love
Thank you Don, for being such a good husband to my sister Janet. Thank you for being such a good father to your children and grandfather to your grandchildren. And thank you for being such a good brother-in-law to me. We all had such good times camping and hunting. We all love you and miss you. Tell everyone up there in heaven that I miss them. Have fun with George Smith, and give him and Mom and Dad a big hug for me.
Daddy,
I can’t believe you’re gone. I have so many amazing memories and am very thankful for the time we spent together. From you coaching me and making me practice pitching in softball, to you letting me hold your had on the last day when we went to the dr. You were always a great example of a hard worker and male role model. I love and miss you so much. I’m glad you’re not hurting anymore and that you are at peace.
Jared and Jaime and Sowder family I’m sorry very sorry for you loss. Prays go out you your family.
Don and Janet were 2 of the best neighbors a person could have ever had. They were there for me when my mother died and when my son left for the Marines. I have so many memories of Don—like the year I turned forty and he decided I need a cane for my birthday, or the many times I worked for him doing lawns to help supplement a single mom’s salary. And I also was blessed to spend a little time with hem right after Christmas when I delivered the usual cookie tray to the Sowders…This year I didn’t get his gingerbread men made but did get him the ginger sugar cookies. What a great life you and Janet had together. Will miss you Don but along with your family I will be there for Janet!!! Rest in the arms and love of our Heavenly Father until we all meet again!!!
Praying for you all during this difficult time of transition. Sounds like you all loved him well!
I only knew Don a short while. He came with Jamie to spend time with my husband, while
Jamie helped us when we were sick. Yes he was a very funny ,and caring man.
Don,
You always made me feel welcome and like a special part of your family. Each time we got together you would ask about my family and that meant so much to me. I will always remember our camping trips and the wisdom and great stories you would share around the campfire. Your legacy lives on through the amazing family you created and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know you.
Very proud to be a SOWDER. Rest In Peace Dad, I love you.
Jared : Gail and I pray for you in these difficult time I know your father would be very proud of you for all that you have acomplish in your life. You are a careing son and loyal person to your family and friends. Your father was a special person and a loving father.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful husband, father and friend. It is comforting to know he is God’s loving care now. Mark and Ellen
Thank you my love for thirty-eight years. Thank you for our beautiful children. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I will always be your wife and I love and miss you so much. The kids are taking good care of me but neither of us would have expected any less. I hope you are at peace and no longer in pain. I would give you the world if I could. Until we meet again my love.
Gonna miss you Ralphie!!
R.I.P Cowboy!!
Love, Bear
My heartfelt condolences to the Sowder family. I know how much he was loved and will be missed. I have fond memories of Don. He had a wonderful sense of humor, that kept everyone on their toes. Love and Blessings sent to each of you.
Scott Sowder
Daddy was a true cowboy . when Shawn was 4 years old he showed up at his birthday party with a pony . funny part was it was in the bed of his Dodge pick up . Ronny Jenner and I were doing a auction in Scottsdale az. When I was 17 years old . that’s when I met my sisters and brother for the first time with my step mom Janet Haase Sowder. She welcomed me with open arms .my dad was such a lucky man to have such a understanding and likeable wife. His kids turned out to be honest , catering and successfull people . Daddy was proud of all of us and he had the best sense of humor . He was such a proud grandpa. Always joking and messing with all of us . I’m so glad that the decision was made to respect daddy’s wishes . We all wanted to be selfish and keep him alive the I’d rather have half of him than none of him . I got to have breakfast with home 3 days before he passed . He rubbed my arm at breakfast and told me that he loved me . It crushed me inside to leave that day and in my heart I knew he was at peace. I thanked him so many times for giving me a little brother and sisters and a step mom that I adore. Thank you daddy for all the laughs and all the love
Thank you Don, for being such a good husband to my sister Janet. Thank you for being such a good father to your children and grandfather to your grandchildren. And thank you for being such a good brother-in-law to me. We all had such good times camping and hunting. We all love you and miss you. Tell everyone up there in heaven that I miss them. Have fun with George Smith, and give him and Mom and Dad a big hug for me.
Daddy,
I can’t believe you’re gone. I have so many amazing memories and am very thankful for the time we spent together. From you coaching me and making me practice pitching in softball, to you letting me hold your had on the last day when we went to the dr. You were always a great example of a hard worker and male role model. I love and miss you so much. I’m glad you’re not hurting anymore and that you are at peace.
Jared and Jaime and Sowder family I’m sorry very sorry for you loss. Prays go out you your family.
Don and Janet were 2 of the best neighbors a person could have ever had. They were there for me when my mother died and when my son left for the Marines. I have so many memories of Don—like the year I turned forty and he decided I need a cane for my birthday, or the many times I worked for him doing lawns to help supplement a single mom’s salary. And I also was blessed to spend a little time with hem right after Christmas when I delivered the usual cookie tray to the Sowders…This year I didn’t get his gingerbread men made but did get him the ginger sugar cookies. What a great life you and Janet had together. Will miss you Don but along with your family I will be there for Janet!!! Rest in the arms and love of our Heavenly Father until we all meet again!!!
Praying for you all during this difficult time of transition. Sounds like you all loved him well!
I only knew Don a short while. He came with Jamie to spend time with my husband, while
Jamie helped us when we were sick. Yes he was a very funny ,and caring man.
Don,
You always made me feel welcome and like a special part of your family. Each time we got together you would ask about my family and that meant so much to me. I will always remember our camping trips and the wisdom and great stories you would share around the campfire. Your legacy lives on through the amazing family you created and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know you.
Very proud to be a SOWDER. Rest In Peace Dad, I love you.
Jared : Gail and I pray for you in these difficult time I know your father would be very proud of you for all that you have acomplish in your life. You are a careing son and loyal person to your family and friends. Your father was a special person and a loving father.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a wonderful husband, father and friend. It is comforting to know he is God’s loving care now. Mark and Ellen