Milton “Sonny” C. Gassman, 80, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road.

Sonny was born on February 12, 1945, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Milton “Skeets” George and Lillian L. (Haigh) Gassman. He married Rayetta Noonan on March 26, 1965. Together they had three wonderful children. He worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for 36 years and as a seasonal worker for the City of Dubuque Parks Department for 13 years.

Sonny took great pride in his yard, especially his tomato garden, where he loved watching the grandkids pick their own. He could often be found mowing the lawn or tending to his flowers. A spirited card player, he enjoyed many evenings of euchre and poker, as well as unforgettable trips to Vegas where slots and video poker at the bar were his favorites. Some of his happiest moments were spent on fishing trips up north with his brother Terry, and later with his son Ray and grandson Derek. Memories that often ended with a lively fish fry back home, each one hosted for a different circle of family and friends. When not out in his yard or traveling, Sonny could be found watching Gunsmoke or a John Wayne movie. He was known for his cartoon-like voices, silly jokes like “dog jaw” and “pull my finger,” and his mischievous sense of humor. He was the biggest prankster in any room and a source of endless laughter. He made lifelong friends during his and Rayetta’s many visits to Carlos O’Kelly’s. He took great joy in hosting gatherings, especially his famous End of Summer party where you never knew who might show up. Above all, he treasured traveling with his wife and their friends through National Parks, on cruises, and even to Disney World (though after the twentieth visit, he liked to joke that he’d had enough).

Sonny is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rayetta; children, Ray (Jill) Gassman, Terri Vaassen, and Molly (T.J.) Schmeichel; twelve grandchildren Megan Quinn, Ryan (Jill) Vaassen, Brianna Manning, Jeremy Vaassen, Derek Gassman, Lexi Manning, Taylor (Tanner) Heinricy, Garrett Schmeichel, Hannah Gassman, Sara (Alex) Kennedy, Jack (Ava) Schmeichel, and Ben Manning; five great-grandchildren Sunny, Brynleigh, Waylon, Hudson, and Ezra, and a baby girl on the way; siblings Joan (Terry) Vosberg and Terry (Tammie) Gassman; sister-in-law May Lou “Moomie” Kennedy; and MANY nieces and nephews.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Skeets and Lillian; parents-in-law Raymond and Adele Noonan; two grandsons in infancy Steven Gassman and Quincy Manning; brothers Robert Kennedy, George (LaVonne) Kennedy, John L. “Jack” Kennedy, Jim (Deane) Kennedy, and Jerry (Joyce) Kennedy; sisters Jean (Duane) Langtimm and Juanita (Leo) Oswald.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque and MercyOne ICU for their loving care of Sonny.