Joyce Lorraine Sonnenfeld (Rataczak)

Joyce Lorraine Sonnenfeld (Rataczak), age 95, of Fond du Lac, went to her heavenly home Friday, September 11, 2026. She was born on April 28, 1931, in Sheboygan, WI.

Joyce was the daughter of Frank and Emma (Schanglies) Rataczak, the oldest of their three daughters. At a young age, they moved to Montello, WI. where Joyce was raised on a farm until graduating from Montello High School. After graduating she worked in Madison and then moved to New Ulm Minnesota and attended Martin Luther College.

Joyce later moved to Loveland, Colorado as a teacher where she met and married F.W. “Bill” Sonnenfeld on August 13, 1952. Together they were blessed with three children. Joyce and her children later moved to Fond du Lac where she continued to raise them. The marriage formally ended in 1965.

Upon moving to Fond du Lac, Joyce took a job at Goransen’s Dry Cleaners and she later took a position at AC Nielsen. In addition to working full-time at AC Nielson, Joyce worked at Petrie’s Restaurant on the weekends.

After retiring from AC Nielson, her need to teach was evident by joining the Foster Grandparent Program at Evans School, where she left her motherly impression on many young students, helping them with their studies. Joyce also taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran church where she was a member. Always giving of herself, she lovingly became known as Grandma Joyce

to many students, family and friends whose lives she touched.

Joyce enjoyed reading, watching all sports, caring for her beloved dogs, and family vacations at Wood Lake, which included fishing, swimming, barbequing, etc. Joyce was an amazing mother and grandmother.

Grandma Joyce knew the greatest gift she could give was her time. Getting down in the dirt, playing alongside her grandchildren and making many cherished memories with them that will last a lifetime. Above all, her greatest hope was that her love for Jesus and the examples she set by her faith would be passed for future generations in her family.

Survivors include her children, Virginia Sonnenfeld, William (Colleen) Sonnenfeld, David (Linda) Sonnenfeld; grandchildren, Matt (Daria) Sonnenfeld, Isaiah (Kris Hess) Sonnenfeld, Brittany (Tim) Bull, Corissa (Drew) Glaeser, Jared (Mackenzie) Sonnenfeld; great-grandchildren, Madeline (Zachary), Madison, Owen, Ashton, Tritt, Briar, Jonah, Sophie, Brynn, and Rylee; her sister, Jean (Bill) Ramlow; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Doris (Harold) Hillmer.

Though dementia changed many things in her final years, it could not erase the lifetime of memories, love and faith she gave her family.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1600 St. Main Street, Fond du Lac, from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM with service to follow at 11:30 AM at church. Interment to follow at Estabrooks.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com