Charles “Sonnyman” Spurling, Jr., age 62, of Alma Center, Wisconsin passed away peacefully in
the early morning hours of Saturday, October 22, 2022 while he slept. Born on March 18, 1960,
in Monroe, Wisconsin, he was the son of Charles “Papa Chuck” Spurling, Sr. and Beatrice
(Austin) Spurling.
Sonnyman lived his first 14 years of life in Beloit, Illinois until 1974 when he and his family
moved to Alma Center. Growing up he was small in stature but still enjoyed playing basketball
and baseball. He graduated from Alma Center High School in 1978, a year later he married Patti
Gaede and they had a child, Amy. They later divorced.
Sonnyman met his soul mate and wife of 15 years, Melissa (Hulett), in Alma Center. They built a
life together, blending their four children, and spent over 31 years in love. Sonnyman worked
21 years at Nelson Muffler in Black River Falls, 3 years as the owner of The Depot Saloon, and
another 20 years at Regal Beloit in Black River Falls until he retired in the spring of 2022. He
enjoyed his hobby and second job working the family’s salvage yard on their property beside his
father, brothers, and nephew. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the Packers; he liked to race
ATVs and stock cars. He loved to travel with his close friends and children and cherished all of
the adventures and laughs he and Melissa shared. Sonnyman liked popping tops with his
friends, taking his chances at pull-tabs and slot machines, and sharing stories and laughs all the
while. He will be remembered for the humble life he led, his quiet but noticeable presence, his
surprisingly sentimental gestures, and his witty t-shirt collection.
Sonnyman is survived by a large and loving family which he devoted his life to. He is survived by
his best friend, Melissa Spurling; daughter, Amy Stoker (Jody); stepchildren, Tyler Engel (Toni),
Amanda Getgen (Adam), and Samantha Turnmire (Josh); grandchildren, Claire, Lilly, Thomas,
Tyler, Tim, Taylor, Teaghan, Gable, Gracie and Landon; sister, Penny Sinkiawic; brothers,
Bernard, Carl, and Duane; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and friends
that were treated as family.
The family would like to invite those celebrating Sonnyman’s life to the Jensen-Modjeski
Funeral Home, 128 S. Hoffman St, Hixton, WI, on Saturday, November 5th, from 2-4pm for a
visitation and a formal service to begin at 4pm. Following the service the family will be
gathering for a party (per Sonnyman’s wishes) at the North Branch Rod and Gun Club in
Humbird, WI.
The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton is serving the family, 715-963-2311.
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