Tributes

Paul Sonnen finished a very heroic 3 ½ year battle with cancer in the early morning hours of June 4, 2021 at his home in Marquam, Oregon with loved ones by his side. Paul was born January 15, 1974 in Boise, Idaho to Bob and Linda Sonnen of American Falls, Idaho. He grew up in American Falls, graduating from American Falls High School in 1992. He attended Idaho State University, finishing with a bachelors and masters degree in business management. He later achieved a bachelors degree in accounting from Portland State University. In 1994, Paul married Norma Baca and had two children, Olivia (Willi) Neibaur and Garret Sonnen. Paul and Norma later divorced. On July 7, 2007 Paul married the love of his life, Melanie Casey Blood. Melanie brought with her three special gifts, Justice (Drey) Stewart, Landon (Natalie) Blood and Tharren Blood. Paul loved his children unconditionally and believed success was measured by the love they shared between them. Paul worked as an accountant for AMI Semiconductors in Pocatello but his heart was in volunteerism. He served as President of American Falls Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer for 12 years with the American Falls Fire Department and Power County Search and Rescue. After moving to Oregon, he worked as an analyst for Kaiser Permanente and continued to serve the community. He spent three years as a volunteer firefighter with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and later served the military members of the Oregon Army National Guard as the 41 IBCT Family Readiness Group. He planned events and catered drills and annual trainings. It was during this time the idea of a catering truck was born. Paul is survived by his wife Melanie, his children, his grandson Axeton Stewart, his parents, two brothers; Rich (Karin) of Homer, Alaska and Joe (Amy Wigstrom) of Tacoma, Washington. Paul leaves behind a large, tight-knit extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles. A viewing will be held at the Cornwell Wilsonville Funeral Home in Wilsonville, Oregon on June 15, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. A mass will be held at St. Cyril Catholic Church on June 16, 2021 at 10 a.m. with burial services to follow in the Willamette National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Power County Search and Rescue or the American Cancer Society are appreciated.

Tributes

Paul Jay Sonnen

January 15, 1974 - June 4, 2021