John Horst Sontgerath, 81, of Pahrump, Nevada, passed away on January 21, 2024. Born on May 14, 1942, in a small town near Köln, Germany, John lost his father in World War II and his mother 10 years later at the age of 12. At age 14, he was sent via passenger ship to New York and went through Ellis Island before traveling on to live with his older brother Werner Sontgerath and his family near St. Louis, MO to attend high school.

After high school, John became a US Citizen and joined the Marine Corps where he served for 3 years from 1960-1963. John joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after his military service and served the community as a law officer for over 20 years, lastly as Sargeant at the Lancaster, CA station before his retirement in 1987.

John enjoyed over 30 years of retirement, staying active with many hobbies including running marathons, downhill skiing, motorcycle and bicycle riding, cruise vacations, gardening and traveling by motorhome or car throughout United States and Europe. John enjoyed hosting friends and family from Germany in the US and acting as a guide to show them the best spots in the west to visit. 

John is survived by his sons, Steve Sontgerath and Eric Sontgerath and their families. His domestic partner and travel companion Pam Deyoe preceded him in death by just 2 weeks. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, and enjoyment of life that will remain an influence on his family and those who knew him.

Please join us in celebrating John's life and remembering the impact he had on those around him.

John’s wishes were to be cremated and have his ashes spread in nature. In lieu of any memorial services he wished for those who knew him to remember him in their own way and have a celebration of his life in the way that best suits them. Please consider donating to the National Park Foundation – nationalparks.org – in his memory so his love of the outdoors and traveling the US can live on with all who knew him and with generations to come.

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