CHARLES ‘SONNYMAN’ SPURLING, JR.

CHARLES ‘SONNYMAN’ SPURLING, JR.

     Charles “Sonnyman” Spurling, Jr., 62, of Alma Center, WI, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, while he slept. Born on March 18, 1960, in Monroe, WI, he was the son of Charles “Papa Chuck” Spurling, Sr. and Beatrice (Austin) Spurling. 

     Sonnyman lived his first 14 years of life in Beloit, IL, until 1974 when he and his family moved to Alma Center. Growing up, he was small in stature but still enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He graduated from Alma Center High School in 1978; a year later he married Patti Gaede and they had a child, Amy. They later divorced. 

     Sonnyman met his soulmate and wife of 15 years, Melissa (Hulett), in Alma Center. They built a life together, blending their four children, and spent over 31 years in love. Sonnyman worked 21 years at Nelson Muffler in Black River Falls, three years as the owner of The Depot Saloon, and another 20 years at Regal Beloit in Black River Falls until he retired in the spring of 2022. He enjoyed his hobby and second job working the family’s salvage yard on their property beside his father, brothers and nephew. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and the Packers; he liked to race ATVs and stock cars. He loved to travel with his close friends and children and cherished all of the adventures and laughs he and Melissa shared. Sonnyman liked popping tops with his friends, taking his chances at pull-tabs and slot machines and sharing stories and laughs all the while. He will be remembered for the humble life he led, his quiet but noticeable presence, his surprisingly sentimental gestures and his witty T-shirt collection. 

     Sonnyman is survived by a large and loving family, which he devoted his life to. He is survived by his best friend, Melissa Spurling; daughter Amy Stoker (Jody); stepchildren Tyler Engel (Toni), Amanda Getgen (Adam) and Samantha Turnmire (Josh); grandchildren Claire, Lilly, Thomas, Tyler, Tim, Taylor, Teaghan, Gable, Gracie and Landon; sister Penny Sinkiawic; brothers Bernard, Carl and Duane; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and friends that were treated as family. 

     The family would like to invite those celebrating Sonnyman’s life to the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, 128 S. Hoffman St, Hixton, WI, Saturday, Nov. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a visitation and a formal service to begin at 4 p.m. Following the service, the family will gather for a party (per Sonnyman’s wishes) at the North Branch Rod and Gun Club in Humbird, WI.

     The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton is serving the family, 715-963-2311.