Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home

Ronald "Ronnie" Stolzman, 76 of Warrens/Tomah WI passed away peacefully Saturday February 7, 2026 at Emplify Health, La Crosse, WI with his beloved wife, Sarah by his side. He was born October 10, 1949, in Sparta WI to Edgar and Mildred (Board) Stolzman. Ronnie grew up in the Tomah WI area and graduated from Tomah High School. He worked as an electrician in Tomah WI and Kenosha WI before returning to Tomah where he retired from USEMCO in 2016. Ron was known for his contagious laugh, passionate personality and big heart. His laughter filled a room and brought joy to all around him. Ronnie met his wife Sarah in 2005 and married in 2008. After retiring he took great pride in caring for the...

Shari A. Hurley passed away in her sleep at Rolling Hills Care Facility in Sparta, Wisconsin, on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Shari was born on February 23, 1960, to William and Shirley (Fischer) Hurley in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of two girls, and at the tender age of 5 was diagnosed with brain cancer. She underwent surgery and one complete year of cobalt treatments, the forerunner of radiation. Due to the severity of the cobalt, she was left with a learning disability, lack of hair and petite stature. This definitely did not deter her in any way. She graduated from St. Sebastian's High School and went on to work at the local McDonald's and then at Cycle Press in...

Pastor Robert "Pastor Bob" E. Gerke, 74, of Tomah (Township of Ridgeville) was called to Glory on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He was born on July 5, 1951, to Harold and June L. (Robertson) Gerke in Sparta. He was baptized into the Christian faith and on May 2, 1965, he was confirmed at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Tomah. He graduated from Onalaska Luther High School in 1969. After high school, Bob attended Northwestern College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in liberal arts in 1973. The following year, he began preparing for the pastoral ministry at the seminary in Mequon. As part of his training, he served as a Vicar in Columbus, Wisconsin, in 1976. In 1977, he completed his...

Lyda Lea Cline Lanier passed away December 28, 2025. She was a graduate of Ridgeville's one room country school, 1946; Tomah High School Class of 1950; UW-Madison with a degree in English and American History Education, Class of 1954. She earned a master's degree in English education, East Carolina College, Greenville, North Carolina, 1962. At her high school graduation, she received a perfect attendance award for never missing a day of school 1st -12th grades. She taught at Mondovi High School, Mondovi, Wisconsin, Norwalk High School, Norwalk, Wisconsin and Kenai Territorial School, Kenai, Alaska. In 1990 she attended UW La Crosse for certification as an English as a Second Language (ESL)...

Sherrian "Sherri" M. Williams, 84 of Shennington, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Agape Acres. She was born on August 14, 1941, to Forrest R. and Berniece M. (Prust) Brown in Marshfield, WI. Sherri attended Rhinelander High School graduating in 1959. She began her nursing career at North Central Technical College in Wausau, later obtaining a master's in nursing degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse. Working for several years at St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander, she finished her nursing career retiring in 2002 from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tomah. On August 3, 1996, Sherri was united in marriage to Donald G. Williams off the coast of...

Betty Jean Martin, 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 18, 2025, at The Serenity House in Tomah. She was born on April 17, 1932, to Robert and Vera (Kuehl) Schultz. She was raised in the Christian faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomah. Betty was baptized, confirmed, and attended St. Paul Lutheran School, and was a member of the Tomah High School Graduating Class of 1950. She married her best friend, Norman Martin, on December 11, 1954, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children: Dale, Dennis, Scott and Rebecca, who they raised in Wilton and Tomah. Betty joined the family business, Martin Trucking Company Inc in Wilton in 1955, where...

Patricia "Pat" L. Bargle, 77 of Tomah passed away on November 17, 2025, at Emplify by Gundersen, Adams. She was born on September 6, 1948, to Lester and Helen (Muhlethlaer) Noyes in Tomah. Pat was a member of the Tomah High School Graduating Class of 1967. Pat obtained her nursing assistant certification and had retired from the Tomah Care Center in 2015. In her spare time, Pat enjoyed needlework, embroidering, crocheting, she also enjoyed puzzles and playing cards. She is survived by her siblings, Leona Tom of Warrens, Carol (Joe) Bargle of Tunnel City, Linda (Ray) Slater of Tomah, Jerrie (David) Fisher of Camp Douglas, and Cindy Mantzke of Watertown. She is further survived by many...

Richard "Rick" M. Shobaken, 78, of Tomah, died on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at his home. On July 3, 1947, Rick was born to Rudy and Marion (Brink) Shobaken in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a member of King Philip Regional High School's graduating class of 1965. Shortly after graduation, Rick proudly enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and would continue to serve for the next 6 years. He attended the Lowell Technological Institute in Massachusetts receiving a degree in chemical engineering and later earned his master's degree in business at the University of Phoenix in Arizona. As a chemical engineer, Rick traveled all over the world where he helped establish numerous engineering...

Kelly Lynn Rinfret, age 46, of Modesto, California, passed peacefully on November 4, 2025. She was born in Fresno, California, and from the very beginning brought joy, laughter, and light to everyone who knew her. Kelly is survived by her loving father, Doug Rinfret, and stepmother, Sally Rinfret, and their children; her devoted sister, Kimberly, and brother-in-law, Michael, and their children. She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine, whom she loved deeply and longed to see again. Kelly lived her life with a big heart and a bright spirit. She was actively involved in community programs such as Break the Barriers and Special Olympics, where she made lifelong friends. She proudly...

Ellen Anne Knight, 83, of Loves Park, Illinois, and formerly of Tomah, Wisconsin, died on October 24, 2025, at home. Ellen was born on June 6, 1942, to Francis and Theresa (Synder) Graham in Tomah. She was a member of Tomah High School's graduating class of 1960. In 1960 Ellen enlisted in the United States Navy where she proudly served for 3 years, before joining the U.S. Army Nurse Corps from 1992 to 1996. Ellen is survived by her wife, Mary Lou Winters; children, Kris Alonso-Knight, Ted Knight of Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Skylar, Brenna, Brandon Knight, and Sheridan Tifton. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Teresa Graham; and all her siblings, except Mary...

Joanne E. Pasch, 88 of Elroy, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Crest View Nursing Home, New Lisbon.She was born on August 3, 1937, to Paul and Glenn (Tompkins) Zirk on the family farm in the Township of Glendale. She was baptized in September of that year at St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Church and was later confirmed there as well. Joanne was a member of the Kendall High School graduating Class of 1956. She later obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate at Western Wisconsin Technical College on May 18, 1994. On November 29, 1958, Joanne was united in marriage to Junior G. Pasch on the family farm. He preceded her in death on September 23, 2000. As a wife, mother and...

Dr. Bruce A. Polender, 88, of Onalaska, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and joined his Savior in heaven. He was born to Albert and Florence Polender on July 18, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. Bruce married Margaret Ann Rumball in 1962. She preceded him in death in 2001. In 2002, he married Alice Driscoll. He graduated from North Park Academy in Chicago, from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and from North Western University School of Medicine in 1963. His internship and internal medicine residency occurred in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Lewis, Washington. Bruce then spent 3 years in Germany at the 97th General Hospital. After his Army service, he...

Barbara Jo (Tonn) McNaughton, 80, of La Crosse, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Serenity House in Tomah, Wisconsin. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00am at St. John's Ev. Luther Church (Barre Mills), W3569 County Highway M, La Crosse, WI 54601. Pastor Andrew Schultz will officiate. Christian Burial in the church cemetery immediately after. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Wednesday at the church from 9:00 am until the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Serenity House in Tomah, or the Holmen or Onalaska Senior Centers. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah is assisting the family....

Verlin George Johnson, 91, February 18, 1934 - September 13, 2025 He was United in marriage to Shirley McCollough June 12, 1954, at the First United Methodist Church, Tomah WI Verlin grew up on the Johnson family farm in Wyeville, WI. After graduating from Tomah High School in 1952 he worked at the Chevrolet garage. He Enlisted in the National Guard September 8, 1952, as a member of the 732nd Maintenance Company. In 1956 he began his career as a mechanic for the National Guard at Camp Williams until his retirement in 1988. Verlin was activated to Ft. Lewis Washington 15 Oct 61 - 10 Aug 62 to support the Berlin Crisis. He retired as an E7/SFC on May 9, 1988, with 36 years, 9 months, and 3...

Sandra D. Scott, 72, of Tomah, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at home. On November 11, 1952, Sandra was born to Robert and Margaret (McKinley) Marsh in Biloxi, Mississippi. With her father being in the Air Force, she lived in many different places before settling in Tomah. She was a member of the Tomah High School's graduating class of 1970. She married her high school sweetheart, Alan Scott, and together they soon bought a farm south of Tomah. The two would spend 54 loving years together before he preceded her in death on March 19, 2023. Sandy enjoyed the farm life. She was a hard worker who always had beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She...

Darlene Ann Babbitt, 93, of Wilton, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Spring Brook Assisted Living Center in Onalaska, Wisconsin. She was born June 15, 1932, in Cashton, Wisconsin to Vernon and Phoebe Meseberg. She is preceded in death by her husband Paul Babbitt, her daughter Jane Babbitt; and parents Vernon and Phoebe Meseberg. Darlene worked at, and retired from, Wilton Elementary School. Darlene enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards with family and friends, bowling, dancing and family vacations. Darlene enjoyed overnight trips, with her loving husband Paul, to various Casinos. Darlene always stated the only thing she wanted was to always be with her loving husband...

Daniel J. Dutton, 66 of Wilton, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 27, 2025. He was born on May 14, 1959, to John and Patricia "Pat" (Kuhlman) Dutton in Sparta, WI. Dan grew up in Wilton and attended Royall High School where he graduated with the class of 1977. Shortly after High School, Dan enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas. After serving 4 years, he separated from active duty and returned home back to Wisconsin. Following a small break in service, Dan re-enlisted into the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He proudly served his country for 24 years meritoriously upon his date of retirement from military service. For...

Elmer R. Georgeson, age 99, of rural Camp Douglas, WI, went to his Heavenly home to be with his Savior on Sunday, August 10, 2025, with Edna, his wife of 77 years, at his side. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, 10:00 AM at Bethel Baptist Church, N9498 1st Avenue, Camp Douglas. Pastor Ronald Davidson and Ian Fennell will officiate. Burial will be at the Camp Douglas Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. With a prayer at 4:45 PM by Pastor Ian Fennell. Family and friends may also visit on August 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM...

James N. Boeder, 79 of Reeseville and formerly of Kendall, died Friday, August 1, 2025, in Cody, Wyoming. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 11:00 AM at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 297 West South Railroad Street, Kendall. Pastor Zachary Meier will officiate. Burial will be in Dorset Ridge Cemetery, Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com

Leila Helen Moseley, 95, of Cassville formerly of Tomah, died on April 19, 2025, at Eden Vista, Madison. She was born on October 27, 1929, to Alloth and Helen (Mahoney) Westpfahl in Tomah, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Tomah High School Graduating Class of 1947. Leila married the love of her life, Dale Moseley, on May 29, 1948, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tomah. He preceded her in death on September 21, 2022. Their life together started with Dale working on the Moseley Family Farm. Eventually, Dale and Leila acquired land near Cassville WI where they developed a "Pick-Your-Own" strawberry business, along with a small orchard of apples and other fruit trees. Leila had a collection...

Geraldine "Geri" A. Frei, 90, of Camp Douglas died Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Serenity House. She was born on March 1, 1935, to Ben and Maude (Russell) Eisfeldt in the Town of Cutler. Geri was baptized in the New Lisbon Baptist Church, because Bethel Baptist didn't have a baptismal font at the time. She was a member of the Necedah High School Graduating Class of 1952 and was the Valedictorian of her class. She was united in marriage to Douglas J. Frei on September 2, 1952, at Bethel Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on February 20,2013. Together they travelled throughout the United States on their motorcycle, enjoying the beautiful countryside. They took trips to...