Sonja Dunn

Sonja Theone (Sather) Dunn, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, with family at her side. Sonja was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Thorvald and Isabel (Gere) Sather. She grew up in Forestburg, Mount Vernon, and Yankton, SD. Sonja briefly attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls before meeting, and on August 20, 1958, marrying the love of her life, David Dunn (also of Yankton), and the couple spent 65 wonderful years together before his passing in 2024. The couple had three children, Robert David, Marla Lee and Meridith Ann. In addition to keeping a warm and wonderful home, she also worked several jobs as a sales clerk at small businesses in areas where she was resided.

Sonja enjoyed playing bridge in various bridge clubs throughout her life. She was an avid reader and inspired her children to be readers as well. She was a long-time member of Zumbro Lutheran Church and was involved in many facets of church life. She worked on Zumbro's annual Christmas Bazaar for many years, especially in preparing lefse for the luncheon. Her best friends "The Birds," were also Zumbro members and they worked together on many projects. Sonja was involved in theater clubs, investment clubs, and book clubs.

Sonja was preceded in death by her husband, David; parents, Thorvald and Isabel; and her daughter, Marla Rosnik. She is survived by her children, Robert (Jeanne) Dunn of Elgin, MN and Meridith Dunn of Rochester, MN; her grandchildren, Sonja (Sumner) Bradshaw, Patricia Dunn, Allison Rosnik, Stark (Stephen) Rosnik, William Dunn, Christian Dunn; and her great-grandchildren, Carly and Tristan Bradshaw.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at Zumbro Lutheran Church (624 Third Avenue SW, Rochester, MN) on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11 am, with visitation one hour prior at 10 am. Inurnment will be in the Zumbro Lutheran Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Zumbro Lutheran Church (ELCA).

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dunn family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com