After fighting a two-and-a-half-year heroic battle against melanoma, Robert J. Sonntag of Zionsville, Ind., surrendered to the disease in the presence of his friends and family Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at 7 p.m.

Born and raised in Farmington, Mo., Bob celebrated his 50th birthday Nov. 21.

Bob was a gifted athlete, and earned a football scholarship to University of Missouri-Rolla. Graduating in 1981, he began his professional career with General Motors in Flint, Mich. Bob went on to receive his MBA from the University of Michigan.

He joined Cummins Inc. in 1990, and was serving the company in the role of vice president of capital management at the time of his death. Bob attended Northview Christian Life Church in Carmel, Ind.

He was a remarkable father, husband, son, brother, friend and employee. After being diagnosed with melanoma, he spent his time and energy educating others about the importance of protection from the sun, as well as raising thousands of dollars for cancer research.

Bob was known as a medical miracle at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., as a result of his unparalleled participation in an experimental trial. Further information can be found about his experience at www.mayoclinic.org/patientstories/story-365.html.

All who know Bob are aware he is sitting at Jesus' side hopefully getting some golf tips, while providing some reciprocal counsel about any operations issues they might have up there.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Walter Sonntag.

He is survived and will be missed by his wife, Nancy Logan Sonntag of Zionsville; a stepdaughter, Ariel Dunn of Zionsville; two sons, Eric and Tyler of El Paso, Texas; his mother, Katherine Sonntag of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Joan Vessell (Roger) of San Antonio, Barbara Bender (Rocky) of Atlanta; several nieces, nephews, in-laws and countless friends.

Bob's family would like to extend special thanks to all who have loved and supported him throughout his battle.

Bob's final celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Northview Christian Life Church in Carmel, with the pastor, Steve Poe, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Bob's home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Robert Sonntag Charitable Foundation, Ayco Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 15203, Albany, N.Y., 12212-5203, or a favorite charity in Bob's memory.