Sonia J. Sorenson

Sonia Sorenson, 75, of Hawley, MN, died Friday, July 6, 2012, surrounded by her family, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND.Sonia Julene Gunnufson was born on January 11, 1937 to Elwin and Odella Bjorge Gunnufson in Gary, MN. She attended school in Gary and graduated in 1955. She married Clinton Sorenson on April 29, 1956. They both attended the University of North Dakota and Moorhead State University. Clint's first teaching position took them to Cavalier, ND in 1960, where Sonia taught piano and organ lessons. They moved to Hawley, MN in 1964, where she continued giving music lessons. Sonia began working for the US Postal Service in 1978 in Human Resources in Fargo as Supervisor of Employment Services, and retired in 1999 as Postmaster in Sabin, MN. After retirement, she and Clint enjoyed traveling with friends and family on many trips and cruises. Sonia was a member of Hawley Lutheran Church where she served on the church council, directed the junior choir, participated in Bible Study, and taught Sunday School. She was a member of the National Association of Postmasters where she served as area Vice President and was an active member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.Sonia's greatest love was her family. Through the years, Clint and Sonia enjoyed attending all the events their children and grandchildren participated in, rarely missing an event. Her family will always remember the time they spent together with her at their lake home on South Twin Lake. She was an avid reader and always enjoyed the time she spent with her many friends. Sonia's favorite hobby was shopping with her best friend, Mary, and others, finding the best bargains for her family gave her great joy. Sonia never complained and protected her family from medical concerns. Even on the morning of her death, she told her family "what are you doing here, you can go home, I'm fine." She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Sonia is survived by her husband of 56 years, Clint, Hawley; children: Steve Becky Sorenson, Pelican Rapids; Scott Sandra Sorenson, Hawley; Shelly Dauner, Hawley; Shane fiancé Diane Karsten Sorenson, Hawley; grandchildren: Tally Jake Miosek, Lake Park; Nicole Jed Carlson, Hawley; Kaley fiancé Brady Harms Sorenson, Hawley; Beau Sorenson, Hawley; Ashley Dauner, Hawley; Adam Dauner, Hawley; Alli Sorenson, Hawley; Tucker Sorenson, Hawley; and great-grandchildren: Maria Miosek, Lake Park; Etta Miosek, Lake Park; and Ava Jo Carlson, Hawley. Sonia was preceded in death by son, Paul; parents, Elwin and Odella Gunnufson; and daughter-in-law, Angi Sorenson.