Richard Joseph Sonsalla, 83, of Arcadia, died on Sunday, February 10, 2019, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.
Richard was born in Arcadia on June 14, 1935, to Joseph and Genevieve (Pierzina) Sonsalla. After completing high school, Richard enlisted in the Army National Guard until deciding to enlist and serve in the United States Army from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1956. He married Albertine J. Kozminski on April 27, 1957, in Milwaukee, WI, and together the couple raised three children in Cudahy. Albertine "A.J." preceded him in death on February 20, 2001. Richard worked as a welder, a union representative and official agent for the Operating Engineers Local #319 with the Wisconsin Electric Power Company until his retirement.
After his retirement, Richard moved back to Arcadia and married Theresa A. (Kupietz) Sonsalla at Holy Family Parish on September 23, 2003. She preceded him in death on April 22, 2018.
He was an active member of the VFW, Holy Family Parish in Arcadia, and the Lions Club in both Arcadia and Cudahy, in which he received many awards and pins including the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. In his younger years, Richard enjoyed the thrill of stockcar racing around the Milwaukee circuit and working on his racecar- a hobby that consumed much of his time when he wasn't at work. He was also a huge sports enthusiast, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers and the Cudahy High School Packers. He also enjoyed card playing (Sheepshead), gambling, taking trips to the casino and betting on horseraces. Richard and A.J. even purchased greyhound racing dogs that competed at various tracks around the country. Richard was a prolific fisherman- fishing for bass, walleye, bluegills, northern and other panfish, a pastime he enjoyed with his son, Jody, and friends. Richard was also an avid small game hunter, and loved to utilize his ability to sharp shoot squirrels. The morals, lessons, insight, and ethics he taught and instilled in his children, grandchildren, friends and colleagues will be treasured memories for all of their lifetimes.
Richard is survived by his sons: Jody Sonsalla of Quartzsite, AZ and Jeff Crivello of Shreveport, LA; daughter, Joy (Bill Quandt) Sonsalla-Quandt of Bristol, WI; 4 grandchildren: Royal (Megan) Sonsalla of Sioux Falls, SD, Remington Sonsalla of Minneapolis, MN, Deena Crivello and Kelly Crivello; great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois Bonn of Goodyear, AZ; and many in-laws, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Albertine and Theresa; brother, Roger (Dorothy) Sonsalla; and brothers and sisters-in-law.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019, at Holy Family Parish with Father Sebastian Kolodziejczyk officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at church. Military rites will be presented by the Tickfer-Erickson American Legion Post #17. Interment will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019, in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Cudahy, WI. To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.
223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
3800 College Ave
Cudahy, WI 53110
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Richard was born in Arcadia on June 14, 1935, to Joseph and Genevieve (Pierzina) Sonsalla. After completing high school, Richard enlisted in the Army National Guard until deciding to enlist and serve in the United States Army from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1956. He married Albertine J. Kozminski on April 27, 1957, in Milwaukee, WI, and together the couple raised three children in Cudahy. Albertine "A.J." preceded him in death on February 20, 2001. Richard worked as a welder, a union representative and official agent for the Operating Engineers Local #319 with the Wisconsin Electric Power Company until his retirement.
After his retirement, Richard moved back to Arcadia and married Theresa A. (Kupietz) Sonsalla at Holy Family Parish on September 23, 2003. She preceded him in death on April 22, 2018.
He was an active member of the VFW, Holy Family Parish in Arcadia, and the Lions Club in both Arcadia and Cudahy, in which he received many awards and pins including the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. In his younger years, Richard enjoyed the thrill of stockcar racing around the Milwaukee circuit and working on his racecar- a hobby that consumed much of his time when he wasn't at work. He was also a huge sports enthusiast, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers and the Cudahy High School Packers. He also enjoyed card playing (Sheepshead), gambling, taking trips to the casino and betting on horseraces. Richard and A.J. even purchased greyhound racing dogs that competed at various tracks around the country. Richard was a prolific fisherman- fishing for bass, walleye, bluegills, northern and other panfish, a pastime he enjoyed with his son, Jody, and friends. Richard was also an avid small game hunter, and loved to utilize his ability to sharp shoot squirrels. The morals, lessons, insight, and ethics he taught and instilled in his children, grandchildren, friends and colleagues will be treasured memories for all of their lifetimes.
Richard is survived by his sons: Jody Sonsalla of Quartzsite, AZ and Jeff Crivello of Shreveport, LA; daughter, Joy (Bill Quandt) Sonsalla-Quandt of Bristol, WI; 4 grandchildren: Royal (Megan) Sonsalla of Sioux Falls, SD, Remington Sonsalla of Minneapolis, MN, Deena Crivello and Kelly Crivello; great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois Bonn of Goodyear, AZ; and many in-laws, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Albertine and Theresa; brother, Roger (Dorothy) Sonsalla; and brothers and sisters-in-law.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019, at Holy Family Parish with Father Sebastian Kolodziejczyk officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at church. Military rites will be presented by the Tickfer-Erickson American Legion Post #17. Interment will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019, in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Cudahy, WI. To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.
Visitation
FEB 15. 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (CST)
Holy Family Parish223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
Mass
FEB 15. 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (CST)
Holy Family Parish223 Maple Street
Arcadia, WI 54612
Graveside Service
FEB 22. 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM (CST)
Holy Sepulcher Cemetery3800 College Ave
Cudahy, WI 53110
Guestbook
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