Violet Sonnenberg

Violet Lillie Emma Sonnenberg, age 94, Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 8, 2011 at Golden Living Center - Riverview in Tomahawk. Vi was born July 26, 1917 in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late George Sr. and Gertrude (Rechlin) Martz. She married Eldred "Elly" H. Sonnenberg on March 27, 1937 in Milwaukee; he passed away in 1992. Growing up, Vi worked as a waitress in her parents' restaurant and tavern. She also worked at the former Schroder Hotel in Milwaukee and retired in 1975 from the assembly line at Briggs & Stratton following 25 years of employment. She was a very hard worker, a loving wife, and mother to three children. Following their retirement, Vi and her husband Elly moved to Tomahawk where she was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving as a quilter and was on the funeral committee. The most important part of her life was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She traveled to almost every state in the country with her beloved family. Vi was a sweet person and loved by all, and was always seemingly the life of the party. Her kind smile, quick wit, and boisterous laugh were enjoyed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her faith in God, and her favorite saying, "Always remember, God loved you and so do I." Survivors include: Children Ellen (Richard) Naumann Oshkosh Gary (Jean) Sonnenberg Milwaukee Brother Jack (Marilyn) Martz Fitchburg Grandchildren Wendy (William) Hubbard Oshkosh Richard Naumann Denver, Colorado Craig Sonnenberg Fitchburg Scott (Colleen) Sonneberg Cudahy Amanda (Kevin) Bednarski St. Francis Vi is further survived by 5 great grandchildren - Jason and Christy Hubbard, Jacob and Zachary Bednarski, and Landon Sonnenberg, and many nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved. The family would like to thank special friend and caregiver Patti and Jerry Kallerud in Tomahawk, who brought her much joy in recent years, and Donnie and Carolyn Halverson in Tomahawk for their 40 years of friendship. Vi was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 54 years - Elly, beloved son and daughter-in-law - Bruce and Joan Sonnenberg, and brother and sister-in-law George and Dolores Martz, 2 infant brothers, and an infant sister. Funeral Services for Vi Sonnenberg will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2011 from Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 12th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Krueger Family Funeral Home in Tomahawk. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Tomahawk. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk.