Obituary - Ilse Carolina Sonnek Peck Wagner

Ilse Carolina Sonnek Peck Wagner

June 29, 1929-August 6, 2024

Ilse was born in beautiful Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia, and lived a life filled with love, strength, and grace. She witnessed the profound events of World War II fleeing in front of Russian troops through Poland at age 15 and embarking on a new chapter in America, arriving through the storied gates of Ellis Island. She made her home in Havre, Montana, where she lovingly raised her family and became a cherished member of the community.

Ilse had a heart full of passion, finding joy in the elegance of movie stars, actresses and singers. She brought her own touch of glamour to her life by singing in the Catholic Church choir and embracing the spotlight in local theater productions. She organized "Havre Has It" talent shows and taught the cast of "Holy Matrimony" directed by Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock) the German songs and acted as a Hutterite in the movie. Her love for life and the arts was a gift she generously shared with those around her.

She was proud of being a landlady of a four-plex, riding her "motorcycle," (thank you to everyone in Havre who watched for her on the road), traveling to 69 countries on daycare earnings, including getting stone from the Berlin Wall, and riding a camel in Egypt.

Despite the many challenges Ilse faced, including the ravages of war, the battle with breast cancer, and the heartbreaking loss of children, she remained an indomitable spirit. Her zest for life never waned, and she poured her experiences into her writing, becoming an author with stories she was willing to share with the world: "Ilse's Worldwide Travel Adventures" and "Refugee: Memories of War."

Ilse's life was a testament to strength, bravery, perseverance, and above all love. She filled the lives of her family and friends with warmth, wisdom, bravery, and unending support. Her legacy will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew her. They will carry her memory with them always.

Preceding her in death were her children Anthony, Cynthia, and Gregory Peck, and ex-husbands Ray Peck and Art Wagner; sisters Ruth Hentschel and Inge Bergler, who moved to the United States after Ilse came here. Her beloved mother, Ernestine, died when she was 8 and beloved father, Edwin Sonnek, when she was 12.

She is survived by her children Pete Peck (Sheryl), Carla Jasinski (Larry), and Pep Jewell (Wally); grandchildren, Courtney and Trevor Peck (Alex), Danyelle and Nikki Golden, Kaylee and Jayci Johnson, and Greg and Jeremy Jewell (Angie); great-grandchildren, Dyllan, Landyn, and Riley Dotson, Tucker and Tayden Peck and Burke and Bennett Jewell.

Funeral services will be held at St. Jude's Church at 10:00 a.m. September 13 with the vigil there at 6:00 p.m. September 12. Please come with an Ilse story and dress flashy like she did.

Ilse's humor and antics brightened her days and the days of others, often unintentionally. After many years driving her "motorbike," several daring escapades led to her license being revoked. The next day she drove the one block to the police station - unlicensed - to ask why. She decorated said motorbike with bumper stickers reading "I used to be Snow White, but I drifted" and "Don't take life so seriously. You'll never get out of it alive." Surely she's riding a bedazzled Harley through heaven, decked out in a fur coat and her famous fuchsia glitter helmet.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude's Church or the Montana Sheriffs' and Peace Officers' Association of which she is a member because of the help the Havre police gave her.