Sonya Brakmanis

SUN PRAIRIE - Sonya May Brakmanis, age 80, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at her residence. She was born on October 24, 1945, in Madison, Wis., to Sydney and Almeda Erstad.

Sonya graduated from East High School in 1963. On March 30, 1984, she married Indulis “Inch” Brakmanis in Madison. In addition to raising her family, Sonya enjoyed a 30+ year career at American Family Insurance, working as a unit supervisor in the Health Department. After retirement, she worked seasonally at Wisconsin Cheeseman, a job she really enjoyed. In her young adult years, Sonya liked to bowl. Later, she enjoyed playing pool, and won many trophies for her skills at the game.

Sonya is survived by her husband, Inch Brakmanis; daughters, Jacqueline (Paul Haack) Hoverson, Christie (Dan) Klun and Wendy (Kevin Weber) Brakmanis; and grandchildren, Dominic, Giovanni, Mila, Ivy, Nadia, Ethan and Ellie. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tanya Manowske; and brothers, Edwin, Everett and Terry Erstad.

 A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. 

 Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

 Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420