Alvin "Sonny" Cletus Wieneke

ALVIN C. “SONNY” WIENEKE, age 87, of Luverne, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with lymphatic cancer. He was born November 17, 1938 in Lismore, to Cletus and Rose (Recker) Wieneke and was given the nickname Sonny by his Uncle Victor Recker in his toddler years. Sonny was baptized and confirmed at St. Anthony’s in Lismore and attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School where he graduated as valedictorian in 1956. On November 14, 1964, Sonny was united in marriage to Connie Rusche at St Anthony’s in Lismore.

Sonny spent six years in the National Guard from 1960 to 1966. He was employed at Safeway Stores Inc., Adrian, MN from 1956 to 1982 until they closed. From 1982 to 2001, he was a custodian at St Catherine’s Church in Luverne. Additionally, he worked for the City of Luverne on the recycling and garbage route from 1982 to 2013.

He was a member of St. Catherine’s Church, where he was an usher and longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the Eagle’s, and held the title of Post President for a period of time.

Sonny always had a love and passion for sports. In high school, he played basketball and baseball, and went on to be an assistant coach for the St. Anthony’s basketball team after he graduated. He also enjoyed playing softball in Luverne and Adrian for many years. Sonny continued to be an avid fan of the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild, and Gophers.

Sonny had the biggest love for animals of all kind. He enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels, and cats at the farm. In the fall he enjoyed growing beautiful gourds. He also loved to read, dance, play Pinochle, and spend time at the lake, but what he cherished most of all was spending time with his family and friends.

As many came to know, he loved to cut and sell firewood. He could often be seen driving around town hauling a trailer full of wood, and would spend his days out at the farm tending to his gigantic wood pile. Most notable were his large Sonny bonfires.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Connie Wieneke, Luverne; daughter, Renee (James) Fick, Brandon, SD; son, Jeffrey (Patti) Wieneke, Luverne; six grandchildren, Heather (Brandon) Buysse, Shane Fick, Sierra (fiancé Alex King) Wieneke, Alyssa (Micah) Holtz, Jamie (Isaac) Ronne and Olivia (Austin Allen) Wieneke; great-granddaughters, Emma Buysse and Addison Buysse; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister & brother-in-law, Helen & Sy Lonneman; and sister and brother-in-law, LaVone & Melvin Wagner.

Visitation will be from 2-4 pm Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Monday, Oct. 5 at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Monsignor Gerald Kosse. Burial with full military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW, will be in the St. Catherine Cemetery.