Jeff Jerome Sonday
April 03, 1959 - April 15, 2014
Obituary
SONDAY, JEFF J.
MCFARLAND – Jeff J. Sonday, age 55, passed away unexpectedly from complications from his illness on Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at home, surrounded by the love and care of his family. Jeff was born on April 3, 1959, in Ottawa, Ill., the son of Vernon and Betty Sonday. He graduated from Marquette High School in Ottawa and was a proud graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. Jeff began his illustrious career in Finance at Ottawa Community Hospital. He continued his career as Controller at Pizza Hut of Southern Wisconsin, and eventually Chief Financial Officer at Famous Footwear/Brown Shoe Company. He then held various leadership positions at companies from northern Wisconsin to Las Vegas until his illness. Jeff is survived by his wife, Deb (Kuehn) of McFarland and their children, Amanda, Chase and Alex, all at home. He is further survived by a sister, Barb Wilhelms; nieces, Wendy (Tim) Goetsch and Brandi (Jud) Patterson; his mother-in-law, Eileen Kuehn of McFarland; brother-in-law, Michael (Tracy) Kuehn of Mason, Ohio and their children, Tyler, Trenton, Tristyn, Brianna and Joshua; as well as many other valued friends, relatives, colleagues and combination of both. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Allen Sonday; brother-in-law, Al Wilhelms; and his father-in-law, Chuck Kuehn. Jeff will always be remembered for his love of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Wisconsin Badgers, Nascar and his passion for music, travel, entertaining family and friends, cooking and grilling. To know Jeff was to love his hot eggs. His enjoyment in life came from his kids’ academic and athletic achievements, both from coaching and cheering from the sidelines. The family wishes to thank the University Hospital and the transplant clinic, Dr. Said, and the first responders from the McFarland Fire Dept. and EMT. Jeff’s family would also like to thank the many, many friends for their expressions of kindness and support. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2014. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2014. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jeff J. Sonday Memorial Trust for the kids’ education or UW Transplant Clinic. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608)442-5002
Events
Visitation
Thu Apr 17, 2014 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Service
Fri Apr 18, 2014 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of Jeff have been shared yet.
Memories
AB
Ann Bolger
Other •
I learned so much from working with Jeff. But the thing I remember the strongest about him is how his family always came first. He was a husband and father before any other role he had. I am sorry that he died so young.
Sincerely,
Ann Bolger
Former Administrative Assistant to Jeff
JW
Jeffrey R Wedvick
Other •
I will always remember the many times we shared at our kids basketball games. The Highs, The Lows and all the laughs in between. I always looked forward to seeing and sitting with Jeff at the games to heckle the refs, we where good at it . He took so much pride in his kids activities and just lit up when his kids where in the game. He left us way to soon and will be dearly missed.
With my deepest sympathy..... Jeff Wedvick.
VA
Vanessa Abanathy
Other •
My sincere condolences to the Sonday family. He will truly be missed by those who loved and knew him. Vanessa Abanathy
KS
Kit Seeliger
Other •
I will forever fondly remember Jeff for his overwhelming generosity, sharp wit and love of entertaining. You welcomed everyone and made it your business to make sure they were happy and fed. Thank you for the friendship and laughs, Rest in Peace Jeff.
SC
Scott Cooper
Other •
My condolences to the Sonday family. I look back on the time we worked together with great pride and admiration for Jeff. He had that combination of strong work ethic, smarts and the ability to keep persevering to find the answer and to make things work. I also know that the first thing on his mind was always his kids. He loved to talk about each one of them with the voice of a very involved father who loved them very much. Rest in peace Jeff. Scott Cooper
CT
Cleve Threadgill
Other •
My condolences to the Sonday's. Jeff was my Little League coach and a great guy. Since I often kept the bench warm for others, he used to take me out to the field while he coached first base. They wouldn't allow that nowadays, but he didn't think twice. I know I talked his ear off but he was always pleasant and very patient. This was a long time ago but it shows what kind of impact adults can have on young people. I am not bit surprised he was successful not only in business, but more importantly, with relationships.