Allan Richter “Sonny” Wilbur, 79, died Friday, August, 6, 2010, at the Syverson Home in
Eau Claire. Sonny was born October 17, 1930 in Edson, Chippewa Co., Wisconsin to
Loyal And Serena (Richter) Wilbur. After the death of his mother in 1932, he was raised
by his grandparents, Horace and Alta Wilbur, growing up in the Wilson, Stanley and Eau
Claire area.
Sonny was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served with the 300th armored
field artillery battalion, as an assistant gunner. After the military, Sonny married Joyce
Schnell in February 1956 in Stratford, WI. They later divorced. Sonny had several jobs
as a driver for tour bus and cab companies. Enjoying travel and not liking the Wisconsin
winters, Sonny was a snowbird to Las Vegas and other western areas. Sonny had a gift
for music. Never having a lesson, he learned to play all by ear, he was extraordinary at
playing the fiddle and could play six different instruments. He played in several bands.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Meshke of the Twin Cities; sisters, Leona (Bill)
Markowski and Lorraine Radack all of Eau Claire; brothers, Everett (Velma) Wilbur,
Menomonie, Earl Wilbur, Ellsworth and Richard Wilbur, Eau Claire; special cousin, Keith
Cooley, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Serena Wilbur, grandparents
Horace and Alta Wilbur and special aunt, Ilene Cooley-Klein.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at Plombon Funeral Home
in Stanley with visitation an hour before services. Interment will be in the Ludington
Cemetery.
Now traveling a new journey, may the music play on.
Eau Claire. Sonny was born October 17, 1930 in Edson, Chippewa Co., Wisconsin to
Loyal And Serena (Richter) Wilbur. After the death of his mother in 1932, he was raised
by his grandparents, Horace and Alta Wilbur, growing up in the Wilson, Stanley and Eau
Claire area.
Sonny was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served with the 300th armored
field artillery battalion, as an assistant gunner. After the military, Sonny married Joyce
Schnell in February 1956 in Stratford, WI. They later divorced. Sonny had several jobs
as a driver for tour bus and cab companies. Enjoying travel and not liking the Wisconsin
winters, Sonny was a snowbird to Las Vegas and other western areas. Sonny had a gift
for music. Never having a lesson, he learned to play all by ear, he was extraordinary at
playing the fiddle and could play six different instruments. He played in several bands.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Meshke of the Twin Cities; sisters, Leona (Bill)
Markowski and Lorraine Radack all of Eau Claire; brothers, Everett (Velma) Wilbur,
Menomonie, Earl Wilbur, Ellsworth and Richard Wilbur, Eau Claire; special cousin, Keith
Cooley, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sonny is preceded in death by his parents, Loyal and Serena Wilbur, grandparents
Horace and Alta Wilbur and special aunt, Ilene Cooley-Klein.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at Plombon Funeral Home
in Stanley with visitation an hour before services. Interment will be in the Ludington
Cemetery.
Now traveling a new journey, may the music play on.
