Pauline Helen Sondelski (Romanowski)

Pauline Helen Sondelski, 101, passed peacefully into God’s loving presence on Wednesday morning, August 25, 2021.

Pauline, daughter of Anton and Petranelia (Schwabowski) Romanowski, was born April 27, 1920, on the family farm in the Township of Strickland, near Chetek, Wisconsin. She loved life on the family farm, and had cherished memories of growing up with her many brothers and sisters, as well as working in the kitchen with her mom and learning how to make homemade breads. She enjoyed riding the huge, white draft horse in the cornfields, as her dad walked behind, cultivating corn.

Pauline attended Strickland Elementary School for eight years. She dreamed of going on to High School and eventually becoming a teacher. However, bus transportation was not available to the nearest school in Weyerhauser. Times were difficult, and farm families were suffering the effects of the Great Depression. Instead, Pauline moved to Chicago, where her older sister, Sally, helped her find employment at Armour and Company. (Ironically, three of Pauline’s daughters became teachers.)

While working at Armour and, Company, Pauline met her best friend and love of her life, Frank Sondelski. Frank and Pauline were married at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chicago, on October 25, 1941. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage.

Pauline and Frank moved back to Wisconsin when Frank was discharged from the Army. They settled on a dairy farm in the Township of Bergen. Pauline was a hard worker. Each year, she grew a productive vegetable garden and beautiful flower beds. She was well known for her bakery skills; especially her delicious, homemade bread.

Throughout her life, Pauline had deep faith in God, and prayer was important. She passed her faith on to her children, teaching them their prayers each evening. She was proud of her Catholic faith, and loved St. Paul Parish, of which she was a member for more than 50 years.

Besides spending a great deal of time as a homemaker, and farming assistant, Pauline also worked 20 years at Marathon Cheese Corporation.

Pauline’s children were her greatest joy, and she was extremely proud of them. Pauline and Frank had five children:

Shirley Ann Sanderson (James), Wales, WI, and their children,
Connie Bell (Mark Burdette) Oconomowoc, WI
Jason Przybylski (Peggy O’Neill) Waukesha, WI

Sally Patricia Dehlinger (Donald) Stevens Point, WI, and their children,
Matthew (Kari) Dehlinger, Appleton, WI, Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Audrey, and MJ Mark(Stacy) Dehlinger, Stevens Point, WI, Grandchildren: Corrine and Aaron
Sarah (Luke) Stanke, Minneapolis, MN Granddaughter: Lola

Sandra Jean Stankowski (Edward) Mosinee, WI and their children,
Sylvia Stankowski, North Hollywood, CA Granddaughter: Laina Anderson
Nathan (Mary) Stankowski, Kronenwetter, WI Grandchildren: Amelia, Anthony, and Natalia

Cynthia Marie Damrow (Daniel) Mosinee, WI and their children,
Jennifer (Eric) Radant, Madison, WI
Kristin Damrow (Rick Reimer) Oakland, CA

Frank Walter Sondelski, Jr. (JoAnn) Mosinee, WI, and their children
Nicholas Sondelski, Wausau, WI
Lindsey (Dillon) Gorman, Baraboo, WI

Pauline was proceeded in death by her husband, Frank, who passed on March 29, 2010. She was the last living sibling in her family, proceeded in death by the following brothers, sisters, and in-laws:
Walter (Angie) Romanowski, Chetek, WI, Lena (Walter) Zwernik, Weyerhauser, WI, Sally (John) Popovich, Chicago, IL, Edwin (Winifred) Romanowski, Weyerhauser, WI, Leon (Myrtle) Romanowski, Chetek, WI Vicky (John) Beaudoin, Chetek, WI, Sophie (Robert) Scott, Loves Park, IL

Also, Mary Romanowski, deceased in Poland, as a toddler, as well as two sets of twins, deceased in infancy, and a toddler, deceased in a farm accident.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Reverend Donald Meuret will officiate. Burial will be at Restlawn Mausoleum, Wausau. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Beste Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com

Pauline’s family wishes to thank Kathy Obermann, N.P. and assistant, Carrie, at Marshfield Clinic, Mosinee Center, for their kind and compassionate care of Pauline. Also, a huge thank-you to Ascension/Compassus Hospice caretakers who brought Mom comfort, kindness, and care; especially Kate, Allison, Megan, Alicia, and Chaplain Mark.