Sonja K. Tollefson (Soyland) passed away peacefully at the age of 83, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at The Pines of Hiawatha, after a courageous battle with dementia.
She was born on February 26, 1940, in Horton, Kansas the daughter of Norman and Cleo Soyland. She graduated from Horton High School with the class of 1958. After graduation, she worked at Hamel’s Department store in Horton.
She married Kenneth Tollefson, September 13, 1959. Kenneth and Sonja were blessed with two children, Daniel and Laura. Kenneth and Sonja were married until his death in January of 1989.
Sonja’s father was a recovering alcoholic and relapsed at one time. He was able to get back into recovery with the help of the Valley Hope Treatment Center in Norton, Kansas. This inspired her to do fundraising for Valley Hope. She wrote a song about the treatment center and recorded it on an album, Sonja Sings. My Valley Hope & Bright New Day, along with her other favorite gospel songs were on the album. Sonja also sang along with her brother, Mike Soyland, at multiple venues.
In 1978, Sonja began working for Brown County Court Services and taught the Alcohol Information School. She also enrolled at Highland Community College at this time and obtained her Associate’s Degree. She then served as a Probation Officer for 18 years and later became a Child Custody Mediator/Conciliator, both for the 22nd Judicial Court District. She retired in 2009.
After retirement, Sonja was able to pursue her beloved hobbies, which included antiquing and refinishing furniture. She also enjoyed baking and cooking for her friends and family.
Survivors include; daughter Laura (Heidi) Tollefson of Hiawatha, daughter-in-law Susan Tollefson of Frisco, Texas, granddaughter Erin (David) Oberschlake of Prosper, Texas, grandsons Bradley Tollefson and Chase Tollefson of Frisco, Texas. Two great-grandchildren, Zeva and Ty Oberschlake. Brothers Harold Soyland of Hiawatha, and Mike (Deb) Soyland of Sabetha. Brother-in-law Phillip (Ingrid) Tollefson of Wichita, Kansas and her niece and nephews.
Besides her husband Kenneth, she was preceded in death by her son Daniel, her parents Norman and Cleo, and her husband’s parents Henry and Henrietta Tollefson of Horton, Kansas.
Sonja will lie in state at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2023. Visitation will be held that evening from 6:00-8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha at 11:00 am. The funeral will be live streamed on the Chapel Oaks website. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.
The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the staff of The Pines of Hiawatha for their heartfelt care of Sonja.
