Obituary of Rick Sonak
Richard A. Sonak was born on February 10, 1954 in Monroe, Michigan. He was the eldest of six children born to Raymond and Joyce (Suydam) Sonak. Rick graduated from Jefferson High School with the Class of 1973. He later attended business classes at Monroe County Community College.
On June 22, 1973, Rick wed his high school sweetheart, the former Lynda Bussell, at Grape Missionary Baptist Church. The couple enjoyed nearly fifty years of marriage and were blessed with three children.
Rick was a member of the UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 671 in Monroe for thirty-two years before retiring in 2014. He also maintained his own business, R.A. Sonak Builders, which specialized in installing swimming pools, building additions, and roofing. Rick’s work afforded him the opportunity to work all over the country and he often brought his sons along to visit different states.
The Sonak family regularly camped at Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana. A loving grandfather, Rick was brave enough to pack up the grandchildren and take them to Cedar Point Amusement Park and down South to Tennessee. They ventured as far as Florida with Rick always at the helm of their caravan as the designated driver.
Rick enjoyed hunting deer and small game. He also loved casting a line off his boat in Lake Erie and Wampler’s Lake. Although he was often a successful hunter and fisherman, it was always best if Rick left the cooking up to someone else as he famously burned dinner beyond recognition more than once. Rick could often be seen driving his Artic Cat UTV around his home. Much to the surprise of his wife, he established a chicken and duck coop in their yard. Rick enjoyed taking care of the birds and collecting the fresh eggs they produced. A talented handyman and mechanic, his family and friends often relied on Rick for a helping hand and he was always happy to oblige. Rick was very talkative and friendly, never having met a stranger. He would tell a story to anyone who would listen.
Richard A. Sonak, age 68, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday; April 12, 2022. His passing was preceded by his father: Raymond Sonak; a half-brother: David Hilton; and his mother-in-law: Judy Mae Bussell.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife: Lynda Sonak; two sons: Richard “Ricky” (Carrie) Sonak and Daryl (Stacy) Sonak; one daughter: Jessica Mae (Travis) Long; mother: Joyce Sonak; Father in law: Eulus Bussell, grandchildren: Austin Sonak, Hannah Sonak, Hunter Sonak, Annastacia Sonak, and baby girl, Paige Long, expected to arrive very soon; step-grandchildren: Ryan (Chelsea) Benore, Zachary Benore, and Brittany Benore; step-great grandchildren: Bennett Benore and Hudson Benore; mother: Joyce Sonak; two sisters: Linda (Al) Platz and Colleen (Frank) Polley; two brothers: Kevin Sonak and Dan (Sue) Sonak; father in-law: Eulus Bussell; one sister-in-law: Lora Butler; a brother in-law: Henley “Carl” Bussell; many nieces and nephews; and good friends: Bryan McDaniel, Don Boucher, and Tony Abalos.
Friends may gather on Monday; April 18, 2022 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm and on Tuesday; April 19, 2022 from 10:00am until 12:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Rick’s Life will be held on Tuesday; April 19, 2022 at 12:00pm also at Merkle’s followed by a procession to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for burial.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
