Kenneth “Ken” E. Sonsalla
Kenneth E. Sonsalla, 89, of Arcadia passed away October 27, 2023, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke.
He was the son of Peter and Tecla (Giemza) Sonsalla. Ken graduated from Arcadia High School in 1952. He attended UW-Madison for a semester before returning and taking over the family farm in which he took considerable pride in building up a registered Holstein milking herd and a laying hen operation. Kenneth was united in marriage to Florence M. Haines, October 19, 1957. The couple celebrated their 66th anniversary this year. They were true partners in the farming operation and in life. Together, they raised four children: Gerard (Wina) Sonsalla of Arcadia, Gregory (Joan) Sonsalla of Saltville, VA, Kay (Dennis) Berra of Viroqua, WI, and Glenn (Mary Ann) Sonsalla of Brookfield, WI.
Ken enjoyed service to his community and was a member of the boards of Riverland Energy, Dairyland Power, and the Arcadia School District. He was a founding member of the Arcadia Education Foundation. Ken was a lifetime member of Holy Family Parish at St. Stanislaus Church. He passionately followed high school, college, and professional football. Ken and Florence also had the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful travel experiences together.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Florence; his children and their spouses; grandchildren: Brandon Sonsalla, Jennifer Sonsalla, Jack Sonsalla, Sam Sonsalla, and Clay Berra; great-grandchildren: Nolan and Lauren. He is further survived by sisters-in-law: Phyllis (Arnold) Checkalski and Kay Haines; and brother-in-law, Jim Haines; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws: Raymond and Stella Haines; brother-in-law, Franklin Haines; infant son, Gerald; and grandson, Cole Berra.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at Holy Family Parish in Arcadia, with Reverend Arturo Vigueras officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish. To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.
