Lois Sonday, age 97, of Bloomington, MN, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at the Rivers of Life, in Savage, MN.
A celebration of life will be on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 11 am, with a time of gathering one hour prior, at Cedar Valley Church, 8600 Bloomington Avenue S., Bloomington, MN, Lois will be laid to rest at a private family interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, MN. Flowers can be donated to Cedar Valley Church and memorial donations in Lois’ name to FPWR/Schaaf-Yang Syndrome.
Born in Cleveland, OH, on April 27, 1924, Lois Ann was the only child to Frederick and Florence (Kerslake) Obrock. In her early years, Lois’ father attended medical school, while her mother worked hard to support the family. Sadly, Lois’ parents parted ways. Times were hard for her and her mother, especially during the depression years. It wasn’t until age 14 that her father reconnected with her, and Lois spent that summer with him in California. The memories of that summer riding horses on his ranch were retold over the span of her life.
Starting at age 7, through her college years, Lois took a strong interest in theatre. She attended Tucker School of Expression, playing major roles in numerous plays. Lois found comfort and enjoyment in the creativity of theatre. After graduating from East High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Lois continued her interest in community theatre and began working as a librarian. She loved reading and helping people find the perfect book to read.
Life was enriched for Lois when she met a young soldier after WWII. Their eyes met, a conversation was initiated, and a love story began with Harold Charles Sonday. On December 28, 1946, Lois and Hal married at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Cleveland. Through the next 20 years, they were blessed with five children, Thomas, Patricia, Lynn, Kenneth, and Barbara.
As a family, they enjoyed camping in the early years. The older kids learned how to pitch tents, cook over an open fire, and how to appreciate the convenience of running water and indoor plumbing. As the years went on, family trips became less rustic. The younger kids actually got running water and indoor plumbing! Regardless of whether it was a tent or a cabin, the Sonday family had many great adventures.
Lois focused on raising her children. She showed them how to be kind, caring, and optimistic. While raising her family, Lois also worked with Hal in creating a successful life insurance business that started in Cleveland. In 1966, the Sonday family moved to Minnesota and eventually settled down in Bloomington. The family adventures continued with numerous ping-pong and badminton tournaments complete with scoreboards…and gloating. Despite Hal’s love of playing cards with a competitive edge, Lois much preferred a less competitive family board game.
After Harold passed on November 2, 1982, Lois began working part time at Loehmann’s clothing store until retiring at 67. She loved being involved in the Bloomington Federated Women’s Club, serving many years as president. She also enjoyed painting, wood carving, ceramics, gardening, and jigsaw puzzles. At the age of 88, she sold her home of 40 years and moved into a senior community. Lois enjoyed the walking club and working out in the gym, as well as many other activities.
She will be remembered for her consistent optimism and always finding the good in people, her quiet internal strength, and her kind heart. Lois will be forever loved by her children, Tom Sonday, Pat (Randy) Wahoske, Lynn Kurpierz, Ken (Dawn) Sonday, Barb (Merle) Waters; grandchildren, Laura (Arthur), Steve (Nicole), Bryan, Sheila (Joey), Joe (Christina), Jackie, Josh, Kari, Molly, Annie; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Collier, Caiden, Damien, Carter, Ridley, Keaton, Josie, Rhodes, Luna; extended relatives and friends.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly cared for the Sonday family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
