Final Salute

Sonny Sprain of La Crosse died peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his longtime home on Indian Hill in La Crosse, WI on March 3rd, 2026.

Sonny was born on December 30th 1938 as the youngest of 4, to parents Louis Sprain and Selma (Walstad) Sprain in Barre Mills, WI. Sonny’s mothers untimely death at his young age and a fire at the family farm shortly thereafter forced him and his family to relocate to the northside of La Crosse in the late 40’s in order for him to continue his education at Logan High School.

Before he was able to finish his education at Logan, Sonny felt his calling in the U.S. Armed Forces and enlisted with the Navy SeaBees in the late 50’s and proudly served his country for 4 years active duty and 2 years in the Naval Reserves. Sonny felt very rewarded to be able to be a part of the Freedom Honor flight in 2024 in recognition for his service to his country.

Along the way Sonny met and married the love of his life Barbara (Banta) Sprain in January of 1962 and were blessed with 7 children; Roxanne, David, Daniel, Theodore, Timothy, Rebecca and Anthony.

In his younger years Sonny enjoyed bartending at many local establishments before beginning his long and fulfilling careers at the City of La Crosse, La Crosse Rubber Mills (Footwear), and in his later years finally retiring from La Crosse Technology.

Sonny’s greatest joys in life were being around and watching his children and grandchildren participating in many various activities. In his spare time he enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, hunting, and making yard shadows in his wood shop.

Throughout his life Sonny, along with his wife, family and friends were avid motorcyclists and went on several tours of the country on his beloved Honda Gold Wing, you would often see him cruising the countryside on his Sunday drives.

Sonny was very loved by all his family as well as his extended family, friends in the local SeaBee island X-19, several hundred co-workers he met during his various careers, as well as the people he met in the community. He also held a special place in his heart for any of the “strays” that found their way to the home. Sonny had a golden heart, so the family asks that you do what you are able to in your own special way to honor him, a truly great man.

Sonny is survived by his children; Roxanne Ghent, David (Julie Zabel) Sprain, Mercedes WhiteEagle, Daniel (Lynn) Sprain, Theodore (Sherry) Sprain, Rebecca (Juan) Rosas, Anthony Sprain, Ten Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Sonny is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Sprain, son Timothy Sprain, Son-in-law Bruce

Ghent, his parents Louis and Selma Sprain and his best friend Darrell Frost.

Sonny’s family would also like to give a special thank you to his nurses and rehab staff at Gundersen of La Crosse.

A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, W3565 County Road M, La Crosse. Pastor Andrew Schultz will officiate. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.