Leslie Marie (Bonnell) Sojka, of Pittsville, WI, formerly of Waupaca, passed away from natural causes on January 11th, 2025. Leslie was the middle child born to Dewey and Rachel (Ruediger) Bonnell. Leslie was very proud to be a 4th generation 3rd Ward Bonnell.
She graduated from Waupaca High School and took on many careers. From The Wheelhouse to The Kirby Store, Leslie flourished in customer service. Although she owned and operated The Kirby Service Center for many years, if asked, Leslie would say her greatest accomplishment was living past 30 and her daughter, Emmy. (Emmy interjecting here, if you partied with my mom in her 20’s and 30’s, you know that living past 30 WAS a great accomplishment!)
In 2010, Leslie married the love of her life, Butch “Frank” Sojka. Together they shared a wonderful life full of travel, and family. Florida was one of their favorite destinations. From the beaches to Disney World, Leslie never passed up an opportunity to travel with Butch.
Leslie was a fanatical NASCAR fan. She often scheduled her weekends around the races, and through text messaging, virtually “met” at the racetrack with her sister Beckie. She also loved watching football. Starting with the Packers and Badgers, and then watching all the games.
Leslie loved making quilts. She made tiny quilts for the babies of her family and friends, and king-size quilts for the adults. If you were a recipient of one of Leslie’s quilts, you knew you were receiving something special.
Leslie and Butch were avid supporters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. She also loved to cook and bake, with pies being her specialty. Leslie is survived by her daughter Emmy (Bonnell) Roper, her stepson Chad Sojka, and stepdaughters Stephanie Ysquierdo and Stacy Garza, as well as their partners and children. Plus, Trixie, Leslie and Butch’s dog.
Additionally, her brother Duwain Bonnell, and sisters Sarah (Bonnell) Knutson and Doreen Papineau, and their partners. Plus many, many more dear family and friends, including Kathy, Shoster, Tanni, Jerry, Judy, Don, Jayne, Joanne, Ron, David, and Wendy.
Leslie was preceded in death by her husband, Butch, her parents Rachel and Orville Pomerenke, Uncle Barney (Allen Bonnell), and her sister Beckie Lawrence. Plus other family and friends, including Joey, Bill, and Marla.
The world lost a vibrant light, and we will never be the same.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, at the Crossroads Church in Pittsville, WI with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. A light lunch will be available from 11:00 am – 2:00pm. Buchanan/Rembs Funeral home is assisting the family.
Instead of flowers, contributions to the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation would be appreciated.
Author: News Desk
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