Kenneth E. Sonsalla, 89, of Arcadia passed away on 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 on
October 19, 1957. They celebrated their 66 th 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.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Parish in Arcadia, on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 11
a.m. with Reverend Arturo Vigueras officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 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 http://www.wozneykillianfh.com.
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