Donald “Sonnie” Leroy Kudrna, 81, passed away at his home on February 25, 2026, in Scenic, South Dakota.

Sonnie was born on September 22, 1944, in Rapid City, South Dakota to Elsie and Joseph Kudrna. He attended Imlay grade school and Rapid City High School graduating in 1962. He worked in road construction for a couple of years after graduation and then returned to the ranch in Imlay where he lived and worked the rest of his life.

Sonnie enjoyed his weekly poker game that he played for many years, and he loved to ranch until something broke down. He enjoyed ranching alongside his Uncle Tony and he loved his grandmother, Marie Kudrna.

Sonnie was preceded by his parents, a younger sister, Marge, and an older sister, Lorraine. He is survived by his remaining sister, Frances, of Mandan, North Dakota. He is survived by 4 nieces, 3 nephews and one cousin: Sharon (Craig) Nienhueser, Peg (Mike) Kroeger, Laura Mosby, Donna (Mike) Holleran, Clifford Larsen, Paul Shellito, Jodie Shellito and Ann Marie Olsen. He is further survived by his stepson, Scott Deisinger, and a stepdaughter, Tammy (Charles) Hutchins as well as two beloved granddaughters, Paige Pettit and Tabitha Pettit as well as a great grandson, Onyx Pettit. He will be deeply missed by Shirley Wenzel.

Sonnie’s celebration of life will be held at Behrens Wilson Funeral Home, Rapid City, South Dakota on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 5-7 p.m.

Any memorials can be made to the Scenic Fire Department.