Laura Dolly Sonnentag

Laura Dolly Sonnentag, 88, Cadott, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at Azura Memory Care in Eau Claire, with her loving family at her bedside.

Laura was born Dec. 18, 1932, in Bloomer, to John and Ada Watkins.

She was raised in the Bloomer and Chetek areas, and later moved to Cadott, where she graduated from high school.

Laura met Louis Sonnentag at the Legion hall, where sparks flew between them. They were married a year later, May 28, 1951.

She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and St. Helen’s Circle.

The couple bought 80 acres in 1961, south of Cadott, where they built their dream house and raised eight children. She worked at the Chippewa Manor and Northern Center for several years, as well.

Laura’s house was the gathering place of family and friends, often filled to the brim, and overflowing with love and laughter. Everyone was welcome at Laura’s house. She had mastered the art of making soup and there was always a pot on the stove, and cookies in the cookie jar.

She taught herself how to knit and crochet, and kept her whole family warm with her hats, scarves, mittens, socks and afghans. Laura’s laughter was contagious and filled her house, along with her extensive collection of tea pots and cookie jars.

Laura loved to play cards, her favorite being Tic, and spent every day, playing with her dear friend and neighbor, Lois Sperber. They actually kept a journal of who won (not sure who is ahead!). She also taught her grandkids and greatgrandkids how to play, and enjoyed many hours of fun with them.

Several years ago, Mom’s memory began to fade and she started needing home care assistance several times a week, until it was no longer safe for her to stay home alone. Moving to Azura Memory Care was a difficult decision for everyone, but it was needed for her safety and care. She was ready and looked forward to a new chapter in life. Azura and the team there became her second home and family.

She is survived by eight children – Wayne (Sharon), Shirley (Dave) Woodford, Bunny Curry, Randy (Chris), Andy (Brenda), Louis Jr. (Jane), Joe (Lorrie) and Tracy (Josh) Clark; 25 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law – John (Theresa) Watkins; a very special neighbor – Lois Sperber; and many close extended family members, who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband – Louis, in 2004; two sisters – Joyce (Danny) and Lois (Bill); one brother – Wayne (Loretta); son-in-law – Hugh Curry; and two infant granddaughters – Lucy and Ellie Sonnentag.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 12, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cadott, with Father William Felix officiating. Interment was in the St. Rose Cemetery, Town of Sigel, Chippewa County, following the funeral Mass.

Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m., until the time of the service, Friday, at the church.

The family would like to thank all the past and present team members at Azura, for loving and caring for Mom. She truly loved all your attention and care. Thank you also, to Jennifer Insteness, who cared for Mom during her journey through dementia. Thank you to Aaron and Mary Lee, of St. Joseph’s Hospice, for their wonderful care in the last five days.

Her dementia may have slowly taken her memories from her, but every now and then, “I love you so much,” would come from her lips. What more could we have asked for? We love you, Mom, and will miss you, but get in the boat and go fishing with Dad, and have a fish fry with all the family who is up there with you.

I love you for all the times you picked me up when I was down. For all the times you traded your warm smile for my frown. For all the times you brushed my hair and tucked me into bed, or needed something for yourself and put me first instead. For all the dreams that we have shared, the tears and laughter, too. I love you, Mom, with all my heart…There’s no one quite like you!

Leiser Funeral Home in Cadott, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.leiserfuneralhome.com.