Wilferd “Sonny” Eugene Risner, age 92, of Fitchburg MI, passed away May 3, 2023, at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. Sonny was born August 15, 1930, in Alger, Ohio, the son of George and Grace (Campbell) Risner.
On May 2, 1954, Sonny married Barbara Hazell. His family moved to the Dansville/Millville area during the Great Depression in search of farm work. Sonny was employed by the State of Michigan in the employment office for many years. He also taught Sunday School and was the youth group leader at the Methodist church, and co-secretary of the Fitchburg Cemetery Association. Sonny was a proud Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Sonny is survived by his son Thomas Risner, and grandson Benjamin Risner of El Paso, TX. He is also survived by his brother Patrick Risner of Dansville, sister Dorothy Schmidt of Dansville, sister-in-law Diane Carpenter of Fitchburg, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his grandson Samuel, daughter-in-law Patricia, brother Wilbur, and sisters Viola and Linda.
A funeral service will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fitchburg Cemetery Association.
