“Sonny” Earl G. Brey, 79, of Ontario passed away Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
Sonny was born March 14, 1933, to Earl T. and Perle (Harris) Brey in Hillsboro. He was raised and lived on the family farm outside of Ontario. Sonny married Nancy (Clark) on Oct. 4, 1956, at the United Brethren Church in Ontario, which is now the Grace Community Church. Sonny loved dairy farming and was proud of the fact that his farm won the State Dairy Farming Award. He was also a farm trainer for WWTC in Monroe County.
Besides farming, Sonny was the Sheldon Town Board supervisor for many years. His ability to tell it like it is made him a popular member on the Monroe County Board.
Sonny was an avid sports fan and a faithful Chicago Cubs follower. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing with the boys. Sonny was always the loudest and proudest fan in the stands when it came to watching his grandchildren play sports. There was no stifling or quieting Sonny’s passion and love for his family.
Sonny is survived by his loving wife, Nancy of Ontario; their children, Jeff (Lisa) Brey of Cataract, Wis., Brad Brey of Ontario, Tanya (Jerome) Dickman of Cashton and Justin Brey of Tomah; his brother, James (Jean) Brey of Jefferson, Wis.; his sisters, Carol (Jay) Buswell and Janice (John) Belsky, both of Janesville; eight grandchildren, Ty and Jake Brey, Jon Brey, Chance and Lane Dickman, and Drew, Peter and Madisyn Brey; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Paden Dickman; and his sisters, Shirley (Marvin) Truesdell and Clea (Norman) Surbeck.
Funeral services were Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Grace Community Church, Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman officiated. Burial followed at the Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
