Walter “Sonny” John Zielke, 89, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Bethany Riverside Care Center in La Crosse.  He was born on January 11, 1927 to Walter and Margaret Zielke.  He married Jeanette Clott in June 1948, she later passed away in February 1983.  He then married Karen Engh-Hanson on October 24, 1987.

Sonny worked as an over the road semi driver, milk delivery man, and drove cement truck for La Crosse Concrete where he retired after 26 years.  He served his country proudly in the US Army.  Sonny enjoyed traveling in his RVs and camping in various places around the country.  He spent his winters with Karen in Florida and Arizona.  Together with Karen he traveled to Norway and to Italy to visit the birthplace of his mother.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Jim (special friend Gaye), Steve (Joan); brothers, Rinny, Pat (Bea), Clyde (Mary), Mick (Barb); sister, Joan (Tom) Woldum; and grand children, Jason, Tara, Chloe.  Extended surviving family includes, Rhonda (Ed) Staats, Kevin (Lily) Hanson, Brad (June) Hanson, Phil Hanson, Ron Hanson, Alex (Dana) Staats, Chris Staats, Jon (Tegan) Staats, Becky (Rich) Giroux, Kim (Luke) Sellers, Katie Hanson, and 4 great grand children.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister in law, Mary Zielke.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd. La Crosse, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service.  Pastor Harald Bringsjord will officiate.  Burial with military honors will be held at Onalaska City Cemetery.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

To view Sonny’s memorial tribute video, please click the link below

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/TXW4JWZFQSWT942Z