Photo courtesy of Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home - Nekoosa
1928 - 2019 (Age 90)
Please accept my sympathy and prayers on your mom's passing. My husband, Pete worked with her many years at Foodland and we both enjoyed being her friends. She was an incredible loving, funny, friendly and strong woman. I will miss her.
Diane Markworth
March 11, 2019 | Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Just returned from vacation and was deeply saddened to read about Ethel's passing! She & I had some wonderful "visits" and most recently via phone and I had planned to visit with her when I got back home being gone all of January and then part of Feb/Mar. Heaven has gained a beautiful and wonderful angel. Such a special lady - - my deepest and sincere sympathy to all the family. I know she will be missed by all but you have some wonderful memories of trips, etc. - - loved to hear...
Karen Feldner
March 10, 2019 | NEKOOSA, WI
I so much enjoyed Ethels phone visits. She was good to my kids a long time ago and they never forgot. Sending comforting thoughts to David, Sharon, Jon and their families. It was my good fortune to have known your mom.
Ruth Mitchell
March 09, 2019 | Friend
LIZ, sorry about your Grams. Treasure the memories that you made and remember that shes a guardian angel now!
Nicole Pliska
March 09, 2019 | Stevens Point, WI | Friend
Please except my sincerest condolences for the loss of this lovely woman. My daughter Jenny, wife of grandson Sam, always enjoyed being with Ethel. Keep your memories of her close at heart ❤
Mary Strauss
March 09, 2019 | Fond Du Lac, WI | Acquaintance
My deepest sympathy to your family. I have so many fond memories of Ethel! I loved her spunk and love for life. Growing up with Ruth Ann, I spent many hours at your home (upstairs from the bakery). Don't get me started on the delicious bakery. It was the best.... no one could match it! We are in Arizona for the winter.... please accept my deepest condolences. God bless. Rita Schmidt Michels.
Rita Michels
March 07, 2019 | Surprise, AZ
Sharon and family - I am very saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a sweet gal and I feel blessed to have known her. May God be with you through this difficult time.
Kathy Pechinski
March 07, 2019 | Wi. Rapids, WI
Remembered By
Kathy Pechinski
March 07, 2019 | Wi. Rapids, WI
Ethel M. Ferkey, age 90, of the Waterford Assisted Living Center, formally of Nekoosa, died Monday, March 4, 2019 at the home of her daughter Sharon in the town of Saratoga.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa. Rev. Dennis Schwalenberg will officiate. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Ethel was born October 24, 1928 in Chicago, IL to Lowell and Valra (Dodds) Mitchell. She married Harold Sonnenberg on October 8, 1955 in Racine. He died December 30, 1979. She married Delton Ferkey on December 4, 1981 in Nekoosa. He died June 4, 2014.
Ethel was the former owner of the Nekoosa Bakery from 1961 to 1979. She then worked at the Foodland West Bakery from 1979 to 1981. Her interests included knitting, crocheting, and needlework.
She is survived by three children; David (Carol) Sonnenberg, Sharon (Dale) Arendt, Jon (Pat) Sonnenberg; nine grandchildren, Rebecca Breneman (Shan), Elizabeth Schindler (Mike), Sam Sonnenberg (Jenny), Peter Sonnenberg (Kristen), Aaron Arendt (Mary) McIlwain, Ben Arendt (Brynn), Miriam Arendt, Brooke Sonnenberg and Nathan Sonnenberg; 14 great grandchildren, Dylan Paszak-Schaefer (Ashley), Dakota Schaefer, Kali Ysquierdo, Addysan and Griffin Schindler, Ephraim , Elise, Fiona, Stella and Bo Sonnenberg, Addison, Amelia, Ava and Annabelle Arendt and by one brother John Mitchell.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Harold Sonnenberg, her husband Delton Ferkey, daughter Ruth Buffington, her parents and five siblings.
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