Raymond G. Sonday

     Raymond G. Sonday, 85, of Sparta, passed at Gundersen Health System on Saturday, Dec 23, 2017. He was born in Sparta on July 7, 1932 to Archie and Lena (Besl) Sonday.

     Ray graduated from Sparta High in June of 1951 and joined the US Air Force in December 1951. He spent most of his military career in Anchorage, Alaska. He was discharged in December 1955.

      After returning home, Ray managed the SONDAY's 19th Hole bar his parents built in 1933.

On August 9, 1958, he married Louise Schowalter of Sparta. They ran the bar very successfully.

It was THE place to go for Friday night fish!, and of course, the FAMOUS ORIGINAL HOMEMADE PIZZA. They also did catering to the men's golf association for many years. Golf was his favorite pastime and this was the best of both world's for HIM!!!

     In June of 1963, with two small boys, they ventured to California to be closer to Ray's brother. That adventure lasted for two years. They returned to Sparta in 1965.  Ray then got a job with Wayne Cable at SuperValu. After SuperValu, he worked as assistant manager with Bob Wise at Ted's and Fred's and Cub Foods. He then was hired as Housekeeping Supervisor at Rolling Hills. Ray worked there until his retirement in 1997.

     Ray was a HUGE PACKER and BADGER backer!! He was a season ticket holder to Badger Football for many years and we were very fortunate to go to their FIRST ROSE BOWL WIN!! EVERY PACKER game was a priority on the calendar.

     He was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Church in Sparta. 

     Ray moved to an assisted living facility in June 2017.  Carla Lanning took exceptionally good care of him for the last 6 months. We were so thankful for the care he received from her. 

     Ray is survived by his wife, Louise, son, Mark of Verona; son, Tim (Tori) of Middleton and daughter, Sue Beck from Madison. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dr. Dustin (Laura) Sonday of Sun Prairie; Dylan (Taylor) Sonday of Cottage Grove and Trisha Sonday of Sun Prairie; Kalyn Sonday and Kathryn Sonday of Middleton; and Lukas Beck of Madison. He is further survived by 5 great grandchildren, Alayah and Landon, Charlotte, Addelyn and Haley. He is also survived by Joyce Sonday and nephew, Chad Sonday; and sister-in-law, Carol (Mike) Pace of Sparta.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Carroll Sonday.

     A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, with Deacon Jim Trzinski officiating. Full military honors will be provided by VFW Post 2112 of Sparta. A luncheon will follow. 

     Family and friends are invited to call from 2 p.m. until time of services on Saturday at the funeral home. Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger attire is requested by the family. Memorials preferred by the family. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.  

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