Cyril Pehler
Cyril “Sonny” Pehler of Trempealeau, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Sonny was born July 5, 1946, in Arcadia, to Cyril and Frances (Klimek) Pehler. Known as “Sonny” to family and friends, he graduated from Arcadia High School in 1964. Following graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1964 to 1970.
On May 24, 1969, Sonny married Linda A. (Brom) Pehler. The couple made their home in Dodge before moving to Trempealeau in 2001. In October of 1972, Sonny purchased Dodge Oil Company from Arthur J. Tulius. Over the next 50 years, he worked tirelessly to grow and expand the business. He took great pride in what he built and found immense satisfaction in seeing his children continue the family businesses that he loved so dearly.
Dedicated to serving his community, Sonny was one of the founders and original Chief of the Dodge Volunteer Fire Department in 1978. He served as Fire Chief for 26 years, helping to build a department that continues to serve the community today.
Sonny was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish in Pine Creek, where he served as an usher and was actively involved on numerous parish and cemetery councils. He was also a member of Tickfer-Erickson American Legion Post 17 in Arcadia, the Dodge Sportsmen’s Club, and the Trempealeau Lions Club.
Above all else, Sonny was devoted to his family. He was his grandchildren’s biggest supporter and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on at their activities and events. Whether in the stands, on the sidelines, or celebrating their accomplishments, he took great joy in being part of their lives. Next to his grandchildren, Sonny was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers.
Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Linda; his children: Lynette (Bruce) Speltz, Laurelle (Denny) Lettner, and Brian (Trisha) Pehler; his grandchildren: Jenna (Tyler) Blaskowski, Mitchell Speltz, Jordan Speltz, Morgan (Evan) Pagel, Brett Lettner, Lance Lettner, Lindsey Lettner, Carson Pehler, and Casidi Pehler; and his great-grandchildren: Grace, Lauren, and Brayden Blaskowski. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Heftman; sisters-in-law: Jane (Anthony) Pehler and Audrey Weinmann; brother-in-law, Dennis (Marie) Brom; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Frances Pehler; his sister, Janice Brandes; brothers-in-law: Jack Brandes, Leroy Heftman, and Richard Weinmann; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alvin and Rose Brom.
Sonny’s legacy of hard work, community service, faith, and devotion to family will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at Sacred Heart Parish in Pine Creek, with Father Kyle Laylan officiating. Burial with military honors will follow the service at the church cemetery. Visitation will take place in the parish hall of the church Friday, June 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery, the Dodge Fire Department, or Dodge First Responders.
Online condolences or memories may be left for Sonny’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com. Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
