Obituary of Roger Ramon Sonstegard

Sonstegard, Roger R. Age 91, formerly of Fridley, passed away November 30, 2022.  Preceded in death by son, Reed; siblings, Alton, Marion (Dilley), Irvin, Ralph, Edna (Dean), Lee.  Survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene; daughter, Angie (Fred) Kuismi; daughter-in-law, Kay Sonstegard; grandchildren, Johnathan, Allison, Anthony, Isabel; sisters, Edith (Jackson), Judy.  Private interment at Fort Snelling.

Roger Ramon Sonstegard was born on February 12, 1931.  He grew up with four brothers and four sisters in the scenic town of New London, MN.  While growing up, he spent many hours working at the town’s “Big Store”.    

After graduating high school in 1949, he served in the Army/Minnesota National Guard (1951-52) during the Korean War.  Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Roger went to college at the University of Minnesota.  While in college, he took a job as the manager for the Chateau, a student boarding club.  He earned degrees in Industrial Engineering and Business.  He worked for various Twin Cities companies, doing computer programming, systems design and manufacturing management.  He also taught nighttime computer classes at a nearby vocational school. 

Roger met his future wife Marlene on a blind date.  After a short engagement, they were married in February 1960.  Shortly after getting married, they purchased a new home in Fridley where they lived for over 50 years.  They were blessed with two children, Reed and Angie.  Roger and Marlene were members of St Philip’s Lutheran Church where they enjoyed many activities such as volleyball, playing bridge and volunteer work.  They enjoyed traveling, including many US mainland trips, as well as to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.   

In the 1970s, Roger and his brother Ralph bought adjacent lakefront properties on Lake Koronis, near Paynesville, MN.  At the family cabin that Roger designed and built, he enjoyed fishing, grilling and taking walks. 

Roger loved music, whether he was going to a concert or just settling in at home with his headphones.  He especially enjoyed listening to Jazz and Big Band.  He could often be found reading a book or working on the newspaper puzzles, while always striving to complete the daily crossword puzzle. 

After Roger retired, he began painting.   He found this to be a great pastime, especially during the cold Minnesota winters.  He mainly painted travel scenes from photos that were taken during their travels.  His painting made him even more appreciative of the beauty all around him. 

Roger, aka “Grandpar”, loved spending time with his family.  He was blessed to watch his grandkids grow up before him.  In 2015, they sold their Fridley home and moved to Eden Prairie, MN (to be near daughter Angie and family).  Roger was beloved by all who knew him.  His unconditional love and quick wit will be dearly missed.