Ralph "Sonnie" W. Puhse, Jr., age 67 of Granite City, IL, born May 4, 1953 in Granite City, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

Sonnie retired from National Steel in Granite City after 40 years of service as a heavy equipment operator.  He was a Deacon at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Collinsville.  He enjoyed woodworking and formerly coached little league baseball and softball.  Sonnie had a sweet tooth and loved candy.  He was a wonderful son, husband, dad, papa, brother and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Alice (nee Parker) Puhse; and an infant child.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vickie (nee Little) Puhse, whom he married April 26, 1974; a son, Ralph (Melissa) Puhse III of Troy, IL; a daughter, Mia Allen of Granite City, IL; eight grandchildren:  Seth Allen, Adam Allen, Levi Allen, Madelynn Puhse, Elliott Puhse, Henry Puhse, Zachary Laird and Ella Puhse; three sisters:  Phyllis Justus of Maryville, IL, Judy (Don) Elders of Pontoon Beach, IL and Jeanine Reichwein of Granite City, IL; numerous nieces and nephews; and his canine companion, Carly Sue.

Visitation will be 10am to 12:30pm on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, Maryville, IL.  Due to the current COVID restrictions, social distancing guidelines will be observed and face masks are required.

Private funeral service will be held with Pastor Sherman Smith officiating.  Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL.

Memorials may be made in Sonnie's honor to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and will be received at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com