Arthur Sonneland

Arthur M. Sonneland Jr, MD passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 in his apartment at Attic Angel Place. He joined his wife, Bette, of nearly seventy years, who he missed so much since her death in June 2016.

Art was born July 23, 1920 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Arthur and Josephine Sonneland. He grew up in Bellingham, Washington, working in Alaska fish canneries during his high school summers. He graduated from the University of Washington and attended Creighton Medical School, obtaining his M.D. in 1945 while a Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy. He continued his naval service in the Aleutian and Kodiak Islands. Following his naval service, he came to Wisconsin for a surgical internship with Dr. Joe Dean at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. At St. Mary's he met the love of his life, Bette Schneiders. That very day Arthur made up his mind that he would marry her - which he did in April 1950.

After completing a three-year urology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, they returned to Madison where in 1952 he joined the Dean Clinic, then a small eight man medical clinic on N. Carroll St. From there, he embarked on a thirty-one year career as a Urologic Surgeon. He served as both Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at St. Mary's Hospital. He was instrumental in the growth and development of the Dean Clinic, not only as a physician but also as President and Managing Director. He was instrumental in the 1959 purchase of property in the 1300 block of Fish Hatchery Road and in 1961 the construction of the new Dean Clinic on that site. He started the Clinic Outreach services seeing patients weekly in Baraboo, Reedsburg and Sauk City. For some years, he provided the Urologic Care for Veterans at the Tomah V.A. Hospital, making the two hundred mile round trip every other week. Art was loved by his patients, partners, and staff. He had a genuine interest in other people and was known to be a compassionate sounding board for his patients.

In 1984, Art retired from the practice of medicine. He and Bette loved their winters in Naples, Florida and their summers on Lake Mendota and in Door County. He was a passionate golfer and tennis player, still playing golf at 97 as a member of Maple Bluff Country Club. Art sponsored the Evans Caddy Scholarship Foundation for many years, and he and Bette were supporters of many community organizations.

Art was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. At almost 98, he still read four newspapers daily, simultaneously read multiple books, did the daily Sudoku and always had a stack of books waiting to be read. He had vast knowledge on multitudes of topics and always enjoyed lively conversation. Art's personality was larger than life. His sense of humor and love of life would light up any room he was in. Most importantly, he cared deeply for his family. He enjoyed family time in Door County and frequent family ski trips created special memories. His goal was to get down the hill as quickly as possible with the fewest number of turns. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren passionately. Bumpa will remain a great inspiration to us all.

Art was preceded in death by his loving wife Elizabeth (Bette), his parents, his brother John and sister Marjorie. He is survived by his two children Arthur (Kay) Sonneland, MD of De Pere, WI and Kristi (Gary) Winchester of Madison, WI. Bumpa is also survived by his grandchildren Arthur Sonneland IV, JD of Milwaukee, WI; Anna Sonneland of Boulder, CO; J.P. Zvesper (Carrie) of Elm Grove, WI and their children Henry and George; Brad (Casey) Winchester and their children Delaney and Owen of Madison, WI; Elizabeth (Danny) Westerman and their children James Arthur and Thomas of Madison, WI.

The family would like to thank Attic Angel Place for their care and devotion and Cress Funeral Home for making arrangements. A private family service is planned. If desired, donations may be made in his name to Attic Angel Association or St. Mary's Hospital Foundation. "10-4, Over and Out. I love you more."

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Rd, Madison
608-238-3434