October 11, 2017

Sonja Haugen

Sonja Haugen, 78, of Williston, N.D., was called to meet her Lord and Savior in the early morning of Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Williston, surrounded by her loving family.
Sonja Marie Johnson was born on July 12, 1939, to Alfred and Marie (Mandal) Johnson, in Arnegard, N.D. She was the oldest daughter of 14 children. Sonja attended country school and graduated from Arnegard High School in 1957. After graduation, she attended Concordia College for one year. Following college she moved to Williston and was working at the Plainsman Hotel when she met her husband-to-be. Sonja was married to Noral Haugen on Nov. 28, 1959, at the Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard.
Sonja and Noral built their first home on north University Avenue in 1962, where they lived for 50 years. It was there that they raised their family, and Sonja operated a daycare for 35 years. “Sonie,” as she was known by so many, found great reward in enjoying the children that she cared for over the years. She continued to have an interest in their accomplishments as they grew up, graduated and moved on.
Sonja was a devoted wife and mother, always making her family a priority. The unconditional love and kindness she shared with her children, grandchildren and all who knew her, will always be remembered.
Sonja will be missed dearly and is survived by her husband, Noral; their four children, Naomi (Roger) Rossow, Heidi (Jim) Anderson, Philip (Bridget) Haugen and Barry (Stacey) Haugen; grandchildren, Seth (Chantel) Murphy, Elizabeth (Colin) Pelton, Emily Vernlund, Lane Rossow, Abby (Branden) Landphere, Will John (Kylee) Johnson, Hannah Haugen, Wade Haugen, Shaynn Haugen, Erin Haugen and Alek (Brock) Krumm; great-grandchildren, Jake, Ava and Scarlett Murphy, Evelyn and Charlie Landphere, Nora Pelton, Weslyn Johnson, Theodore Vernlund and Felix Krumm; brothers, Merv (Claudette) Johnson, Kenny (Coleen) Johnson and Steve (Dustee) Albrightson; sisters, Mary (Pat) Falcon and Betty Grove; brothers-in-law, David (Monna) Haugen and Paul (Peggy) Haugen and sister-in-law, Jeannie (Ken) Graham; she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Marie Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arnold and Ruth Haugen; stepfather, William Albrightson; son-in-law, Eric Johnson; brothers, Alden, Arnold, Philip, Einar (Rick) and Ronnie Johnson and Billy and Keith Albrightson; sister, Delores Johnson; brothers-in-law, Dean Haugen and Bob Johnson; sisters-in-law, DeeDee Johnson and Ella Albrightson; nephew, Mark Johnson and niece, Julie Haugen Watts.
A celebration of her life was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Williston. Rev. Nicole Martin will officiate. Interment in Riverview Cemetery will follow the funeral service.
Friends may visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share remembrances of Sonja or leave condolences for her family.
The Everson Coughlin Funeral Home of Williston is caring for the family.

 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER