Obituary of Sonia Harlene Anita Monson

Sonia Harlene Anita Monson, 83, was welcomed into Heaven’s glory with loving family at her side at Dell, Minnesota on Monday, November, 28th 2016. She was born September 13, 1933 to Ivar and Clara (Sabin) Vatvik in Albert Lea, MN. She was baptized at Dell Lutheran Church by Pastor Mosby. She attended Martin Luther High School and Northwestern University Music Conservatory in Chicago singing in a choir directed by Otto Klemperer, brother of Verner Klemperer (Colonel Klink of Hogan’s Heroes). Growing up in Chicago, Sonia loved visiting her Grandmother, Hansina Sabin’s farm near Brush Creek, MN. Aunts and Uncles Bertha, Ora, Oscar, and Gilbert Sabin introduced her to their neighbor, a handsome young soldier returning from service as an MP at Buchenwald, Germany during the liberation period of WWII. On September 5th, 1953 Sonia married the young soldier, Phillip Monson, at Dell Church. They raised three children, Martin, Andrew, and Anita, on their farm at Dell where Sonia returned for her final season of life. Sonia worked at the Frost School, Blue Earth Library, and for 24 years at St. Luke’s in Blue Earth, retiring in 2009. She and Phillip later became residents at Southview, Friendship Court, and St. Luke’s as well. Her time was often spent reading (especially the Bible,) swimming, rosemaling, singing and playing piano and caregiving. Visits from grandchildren were extra special moments. Sonia was a “cat person” and loved sharing her lap with furry friends. On the day Sonia passed away her beloved old, “Bear” the cat, also passed away, just hours later. Survivors include sons: Martin (Angela) of Melbourne, FL; Andrew of Frost, MN, daughter, Anita (Troy) Beckman of Frost, MN; granddaughters: Christine (Brian) Webster, Catherine (Jason) Frost, and Candice Monson; great granddaughter, Layla Frost. Grandsons: Mitchell Beckman, Nate Beckman, and Brandon-Schmidt Spiess (Lanie) and their daughter, Elizabeth. Nieces and nephews: Erik (Susie) Monson, Rose (Doug) Roberts, Karla (Gene) Tukua, Janine (Steve) Pilcher, Donna (Ronnie ) Bartness, and John Burns. Many relatives in Norway: granddogs, Cowboy and Gracie, and kitty, Oreo. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Phillip, and his twin sister Phyllis (Bob) Burns, and their brother, Elwood (May) Monson. Visitation will be 1 pm at Dell Lutheran Church on Friday, December 16th with Celebration of Life service at 2 pm. Interment following at the Dell Cemetery. Memorials to UHD Hospice or Dell Church Jail Ministry.