Barbara Jean Sondalle

Barbara Jean Sondalle, age­­­­ 86, passed away on March 4, 2026, in Ripon, WI. She recently moved from Bartlett, IL. She was born on March 30, 1939, in Fond du Lac, WI, a daughter of Alex and Regina (Bartol) Sondalle.

Barb grew up in Princeton, WI and graduated from Princeton High School, class of 1957. After high school, Barb attended State College in Oshkosh where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught school in Algoma, WI. Later Barb attended Dominican University in River Forest, IL and received her master’s degree in library science. She was head librarian at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, IL where she worked for 25 years. After retirement, Barb became the research librarian for development of the local history room at Bloomingdale Public Library. She was also a trustee for the library for many years. 

Barb enjoyed countless trips all over the world with her good friend Miriam. She was a member of the St. Isidore Parish choir in Bloomingdale, IL. Her most notable choir experience was singing at The Vatican for Pope John Paul II. She was an avid down-hill skier and went on trips to Europe, with memorable experiences in Switzerland and Austria. She was an avid gardener. She also enjoyed playing poker with her relatives and friends, golfing, tennis, painting and photography. Barb spent many summers in Montello and Green Lake, WI.

Barb is survived by her sister-in-law, Jane Sondalle; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Regina Sondalle; stepfather, Donald Mlodzik; brothers, Ken Sondalle and James Sondalle; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Sondalle; special friend, Miriam Murphy.

A Memorial funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Sacred Heart Chapel, 801 Carillon Dr., Bartlett, IL, where she was a member. A Memorial funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at her hometown parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1211 W. Main St., in Princeton, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a Rosary service at 10:30 a.m. Msgr. James L. Gunn will officiate. Barb will be laid to rest following the mass in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Princeton.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, memorials will be directed to Princeton Public Library, Princeton, WI and Bartlett Public Library, Bartlett, IL. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Barb with her family.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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