20 Mar Sonja Lee

Sonja Karen Lee passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, after a brief stay at the Harvey Nursing Home.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 1 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church.  Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Sonja was born April 7, 1935, in New Rockford, ND to Howard and Gudrun Aslakson Schmid.  She attended rural and Oberon Public School, graduating in 1952.  She attended and graduated from The University of North Dakota in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

She married Kenneth Lee on July 16, 1955, at Red Lake Falls, MN.  They lived in New Rockford from 1956 to 1975 and then moved to Minot.  In 1984, they moved to New Brighton, MN and in 1997 they moved back to Minot to be closer to her family.  Sonja worked as a registered nurse at various places for years.

She belonged to Minot Christian Women’s Association, American Association of University Women and The Republican Women’s Group.  Sonja enjoyed volunteering for the Hostfest and at Bethany Church, traveling (especially on cruises), reading, playing the piano, birding, antiques, going to yard sales and spending time with family and friends.

Sonja was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  Her warm smile and gentle demeaner touched the lives of all who knew her.  She was known for her kindness and always making others feel loved.  She was an incredibly kind soul, happy and whistling much of her time.  She will be greatly missed by her family.

Her loving family that survives her includes children; Jamie (Jim) Swanson, Janet (Gordon) Shea, Jason Lee, Jane (Jim) Schultz; nine grandchildren, Chris (Mandi) Swanson, Alex (Rachel) Swanson, Marnie (Kris) Nielsen, Lexie Shea, Kenadi (Jaxen) Jenson, Keringten (Kaleb) Haley, Kaden Lee, Sydnie (Nick) Bahl, Payton (Alec) Smith; three step grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brother, Howard Schmid Jr. and several nieces and nephews.

Sonja was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Gertrude Simon, Frances Jacot, Marguerite Tweeten and Pauline Kopek.

The family would like to thank the staff at Somerset and Maple View for the excellent care she received while there.