Sonja Carlberg

Sonja was born on January 8, 1942 in Rapid City, South Dakota, the daughter of Melvin and Frances Bakken. She grew up in Rapid City where she graduated from high school. Following her graduation, she attended Stewarts Beauty School.

Sonja returned to Rapid City and worked at Mill’s Drug Store. While she was working at the drug store, she met Phillip Carlberg who was serving in the Air Force and stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. They were married on August 30, 1962 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Minneapolis. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1966 and Sonja worked as a beautician for a short time and was also as an Avon Lady. She worked for Extra Touch in Sioux Falls for several years as a purchasing agent.

Sonja was an avid collector of Coca-Cola products and even remodeled her kitchen in red and white colors. She enjoyed decorating for each holiday, especially Christmas. Sonja decorated towels with cross-stitching designs and made many prayer shawls with her church group. She also loved to attend hot-air balloon shows.

Sonja was a volunteer greeter and receptionist at Avera McKennan Hospital for many years. She also served as the President of the Mended Hearts Association.

She is survived by her children, Brent of Burnsville, MN and Stacey of Sioux Falls; and two grandsons, Austin and Brennan. Sonja is preceded in death by her parents, husband and two siblings.