Rupert "Sonny" Leon Sanasac Jr.

Rupert “Sonny” Leon Sanasac Jr., age 88, of Menomonie, WI, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, September 25, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Barron, WI.

Sonny was born June 4, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rupert Sr. and Daisy (Milward) Sanasac. As a pastor’s son, Sonny called several places home throughout his early childhood before settling in Menomonie. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1956.

While assisting with washing dishes at the parsonage after youth group—Sonny met the young woman who would become the love of his life. He and Doris were married on December 26, 1961, and the next day boarded a train bound for Tacoma, Washington, where Sonny served in the National Guard. Among many cherished memories from that time, a highlight for Sonny was attending the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle.

Upon returning to the Menomonie area, Sonny eventually joined the Menomonie Police Department, where he served faithfully for 33 years. Sonny had an uncanny ability to fix anything – if it had an electrical cord, switch, plug or socket he could fix it – or at the very least find a way to “jerry-rigg” it and make it work. He had a deep passion for technology, especially computer programming and media editing. He loved burning CDs and DVDs, and was especially delighted to use Photoshop to place his grandchildren’s or great-grandchildren’s faces on animals and a variety of different objects.

Always with a camera in hand, Sonny became the official family photographer and videographer—affectionately known by his grandchildren as “the Channel 5 news camera man.” he faithfully captured family memories through the lens of his camera, preserving the moments that mattered most.

Together with Doris, Sonny was a devoted member of Immanuel Baptist Church and School in Menomonie. The two served in various ministries for many years, sharing their faith and love with those around them. They raised three daughters and found immense joy in their growing family, cherishing every moment spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sonny is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 64 years, Doris; his daughters Sarah (Randy) Workman of Barron, WI; Linda (Michael) Weisenberger of Aurora, IL; and Julie (Charles) Cone of Colfax, WI. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Jessica (Brian), Joshua (Tori), Stephanie (Jake), Katie, Kristen, Jeffrey (Amanda), Kelsie, Elizabeth (Brandon), and Julia; and six great-grandchildren: Meah, Urijah, Gage, Bella, Elsie, and Addie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rupert Sr. and Daisy Sanasac.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Menomonie with Pastor Michael VanZee officiating. Burial will take place at Christ Lutheran Halvorson Cemetery, Menomonie with military honors by the Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. There will be visitation on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com