Tom & Donna Schultz
April 3, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you cherish all the memories you have.
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Gladys, wife of William K. Sonnenburg, 89, of Sheboygan passed away on March 30, 2021 at Golden Harbor Assisted Living Facility in Sheboygan, WI. Gladys was born on April 23rd, 1931, the first daughter of Herman and Clara Gehrig. Gladys was one of six daughters and two brothers (Jane, Janice, Marlene, Pat, Bernie, Bill and Mary).
Gladys graduated from Sheboygan North High School. She dated William throughout high school and college, they married soon after William’s graduation from the University of Wisconsin law school. Gladys and Bill married at Holy Name Catholic Church on August 30, 1952. She began her family in Milwaukee, WI, but soon returned back to their hometown of Sheboygan.
Gladys had been a long-time employee of Quality State Oil as billing agent. Gladys was a great multitasker, juggling raising the children and working a full-time job. She was well liked by her fellow employees.
She enjoyed the simple things that life offered. She never complained of life’s difficult circumstances. She was an outstanding cook, though she would be quick to dismiss the compliment. She had a unique bond with nature. She managed plants with a finesse that most horticulturists would envy.
Gladys had great reservations when it came to having a household pet, for she believed it would interrupt her “cleanliness” of the house, which was strongly enforced. With great objections to her husband bringing home a 3 month-old puppy, she relented, but insisted that the dog be confined to the basement. This effort was short lived… Cleo had become her 6th child, and her favorite.
The family took trips in the summer to northern Wisconsin. She loved the outdoors and incredible vista of the lake and its surroundings. Without having access to her cooking tools, she always managed to put together incredible meals for the entire family. This was our mother, our legacy, the woman of the house who will forever be remembered as “Glad-eyes”.
Gladys is survived by her five children; Delia Sonnenburg (Rick Diehl), Heidi Sonnenburg (Timothy Piatt), William Sonnenburg (Margaret Allen), Kurt Sonnenburg (Monica Winkler) and Jane Sonnenburg; grandchildren Kajsa and Malina Piatt and Madisen Diehl; and many granddogs.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Humane Society of Sheboygan County in Gladys’ name. Condolences may be expressed online at www.reinboldfh.com.
The family would like to thank Gladys’ caring siblings and her caregivers.