Service Details
A memorial celebration of Sonja’s life will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020, 6:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 4:30pm until the time of the service. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Due to the current health situation, the service will be limited to 25 people. However, the service will be available to watch via livestream. https://youtu.be/I_W0A-CEGgo
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to Racine Lutheran High School.
Sonja J. Peterchak, 80, went to receive her eternal reward on Saturday, December 5, 2020. She was born in South Dakota on March 22, 1940, daughter of the late Morris and Annes (Née: Steenberg) Jensen.
Sonja was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joseph A. Peterchak, on October 17, 1959, in Racine. Joe preceded her in death on December 25, 2017.
Sonja enjoyed many hobbies and activities such as: bowling, gardening, and playing cards. She was an avid cook with a passion for baking cookies. Her pecan fingers were a favorite among family and friends. She had recently joined the Fountain Hills Book Club and found great joy exploring new books, then discussing key topics with fellow members. Sonja was a Wisconsin Badger sports enthusiast. When the Badgers basketball or football team played on TV, Sonja would never miss a game! Finally, and most important, Sonja was a devout Lutheran, whose faith guided her throughout life.
Sonja leaves, to cherish her memory, her children and their families, Joseph (Jeanne Picerne) Peterchak, Joelle, and Chelsea, Renee (Jeff) Brnak, Jered, Calie (Matt), Kelly, Ashley (Jeff), and Claire (Colin); Lauri (Peter Tjaden) Gatto, Daniel, Annette (Steve), Peter Jr.(Teresa), Meghan (Brian), Erin (Paul); and Lisa (Dean) Hutson, Britany, Zachary, Paul, and Tiffany; her many loving great grandchildren; brothers, Dale (Karen) Weber, Jim Weber; beloved nieces and nephews; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to her parents and husband, Sonja is preceded in death by her sisters and their spouses, Judy (Kenneth) Damaschke, Simone (Ron) Lemke; son-in-law, Peter Gatto; and grandson, Brett Tjaden.
A memorial celebration of Sonja’s life will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020, 6:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 4:30pm until the time of the service. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to Racine Lutheran High School.
Due to the current health situation, the service will be limited to 25 people. However, the service will be available to watch via livestream. The link will be available on the funeral home website closer to the service.
Kristen Gurka says
Dear Joe, Jeanne, Chelsea Joelle & family,
We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much Peace,
The Gurkas
Karen and Rick Riemer says
Rick and I have so many happy memories of time spent with your mom and dad at bowling tournaments, couples bowling, retiree picnics they organized, trips to Minocqua and as neighbors. Your mom will be truly missed by everyone who knew her.
Please know we are keeping her and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol Wiechers says
My heartfelt condolences to Sonya’s family. I remember the fun conversations we had about our children and grandchildren. What a great spin she put on all our conversations.
John & Patti Mand says
We are so very sorry to hear of Sonya’s passing. We were her and Joe’s upstairs neighbors on Sunnyslope Drive. So many memories of conversations, and, of course, Bear’s greeting whenever we saw him out. Even after our move, we would stop in for a visit to see how they were. They will always hold a special place in our hearts!
Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
dean gotch says
lisa, just heard about your mothers passing , no words that i can say will heal the pain or bring her back , take care
Joe Hegner and Family says
Joe,Laurie, Lisa, Renee —
We were saddened to hear of the loss of your Mom. It hard to think of her without thinking of your Dad as well. It seemed like it was always Sonya and Joe, never one with out the other. What wonderful people…. always greeted you like it was the first time, quick with a joke or a hearty laugh, would do anything for you. I never got the whole White Sox thing, but never held it against them!
They personified “Wisconsin Nice”.
I loved that about them.
Keep all those good memories fresh. We are all thinking about you during this time. God Speed.
The Hegner Family
Paul and Mary Tjaden says
Our sympathy to the family.
Dona Vosberg says
I was a classmate and friend of both your Mom and Dad. Loved both of them. My sincere sympathy to all of you. So sad for me to know they are gone.
Dona(Krebs) Vosberg
Class of 58