Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home and Cremation

05/26/2026

“Go safely, go dancing, go running home” - Ruth Burgess
Show your support today to a friend and/or family who has lost a loved one.

05/25/2026

05/23/2026

On Saturday, June 27, the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum will host a "Cemetery Preservation and Gravestone Cleaning Workshop" from 9am—2pm.

Gravestones are highly valued by genealogists and historians. They mark the graves of loved ones, provide essential birth and death information about the deceased, and often serve as the only visual remnant of an ancestor. But time and the elements wage an ongoing attack on our ancestors' carved stones jeopardizing their future survival. While little can be done to undo the damage caused by nature, proper cleaning of a gravestone can slow deterioration and help preserve them for years to come.

This two-part workshop begins at 9:00 at the History Room with an indoor presentation by History Room Director, Jarrod Roll. He will share the vital reasons behind this important work, ethical considerations of cemetery preservation and gravestone cleaning, and essential safety practices. He will also discuss the various gravestone types used in this area and the historical significance and symbolism embedded in their shapes and meanings. Participants will learn practical strategies for cemetery preservation planning, including: how to prioritize cleaning and resetting efforts, manage cemetery landscaping, and thoroughly document all preservation work.

The second part of the workshop will take place at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Sparta beginning at noon. There, Roll will provide valuable hands-on demonstrations illustrating the correct techniques for gravestone cleaning, highlighting both the do's and don'ts, as well as a demonstration on the proper methods for gravestone resetting. Gravestone cleaning supplies will be provided for those wanting to try it for themselves during the workshop.

If you are a cemetery professional, genealogy enthusiast, or simply a history buff; you don’t want to miss this fun and informative workshop. Lunch on your own from 11-12. Participation in this workshop is free, but pre-registration is required and limited to the first 40 individuals who sign up by emailing: history@co.monroe.wi.us or stopping in person at the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum located at 200 W. Main St., Sparta during open hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 9-4. For more information, please visit Facebook.com/MCLHR or call 608-269-8680. Special thanks to Cemetery Preservation Supply and Thrivent for offsetting the cost of supplies for the workshop.

05/23/2026

"What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." -Helen Keller

05/21/2026

Jerome “Jerry” A. Gerke, 72 of Tomah, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Tomah Health.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 2:00 PM at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Pastor Bruce Milemann will officiate.

Relatives and friends ...

View Jerome "Jerry" A. Gerke's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/21/2026

Victor (Vic) D. Evans, age 88 of Camp Douglas, died Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his home. He was born on May 21, 1937, on a farm in Oakdale to Van and Vila (Heser) Evans. Vic graduated from Tomah High School. On December 22, 1956, he married Marlea K. Jensen.

Vic will be remembered for his wit,...

View Victor "Vic" D. Evans's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/20/2026

Carol “Cari” L. Nelson, age 66, of Tomah, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. She was born on September 13, 1959, in Tomah to Charles and Delores (Krahn) Spooner. A proud member of the Tomah High School Class of 1977, Cari carried her hometown spir...

View Carol "Cari" L. Nelson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/19/2026

Leslie N. James, known to family and friends as “Les,” passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the age of 91 at Serenity House in Tomah.

Born on October 13, 1934, in East St. Louis to Clyde L. and Pauline L. (Newton) James, Les graduated with the Class of 1953 from Boys Technical High School...

View Leslie "Les" N. James's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/19/2026

Robert “Bob” G. Knull, 71, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 7, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1954, to Arno and Lorraine (Killian) Knull.

Bob possessed the spirit of a true traveler, a trait that led him on adventures throughout the country and introduced hi...

View Robert "Bob" G Knull's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/19/2026

Myron “Mike” Frye Service