Lafayette “Sonny” Hochuli, age 93, of St. Louis, MO, formerly of Granite City, IL, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024 at his home with his loving family by his side. Sonny was born on September 21, 1930 in Alton, IL, a son of the late Frederick and Anna (Mansholt) Hochuli.
On August 23, 1958, Sonny married Naomi “Ruth” Peters, the love of his life in Granite City, IL. He was a faithful member of Hope Lutheran Church in Granite City, IL. Sonny had worked for Tri-City Grocery for twenty-five years. Then he worked for and retired from Surefine Grocery as a supervisor after many years of dedicated service. Sonny enjoyed bowling, traveling the country with Ruth, driving his antiques cars and keeping his cars spotless, both inside and out. Sonny also had a love for animals and he loved spoiling his cat Lilly. His greatest joy was spending time with his family whom he loved dearly. Sonny will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and a dear friend to many. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his son, Don King; brother, Bud Hochuli; sister, Dorothy O’Neill Ledford; and by a son-in-law, Mike Slemmon.
He is survived by devoted wife, Ruth Hochuli of St. Louis, MO; loving daughters, Cyndi (Derek) Maag of St. Louis, MO and Debbie Slemmon of California; daughter-in-law, June King of California; dear sister, Joan Weeke of Garland, TX; proud grandfather to Lauren (Josh) Opperman, Michael Maag, Donny King, Christy King, Jamie King and Michael King; proud great-grandfather to Sarah Opperman, Savannah Opperman, Elia Maag and Axel Maag; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Hope Lutheran Church, 3715 Wabash Avenue, Granite City, IL. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, with Pastor Alan Beuster officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, IL.
Memorial donations may be given to Hope Lutheran Church. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
