Obituary – Sonja Apking

Laurel — Sonja Apking, 95, Laurel, died Sept. 10, 2012, in Laurel.

Funeral services were Sept. 18 at United Lutheran Church Laurel, with Rev. Todd Thelen and Rev. Shawn Apking officiating.

Pallbearers were Richard Leger, Cody Leger, Jarrett Leger, Keith Nielsen, Marvin Ellyson and Josh Clise.

Interment was in Obert Cemetery, Obert.

Hasemann Funeral Homes, Laurel, was in charge of arrangements.

Sonja Ann Marie Apking was born Oct. 28, 1916, to Nels and Tonetta (Olsen) Nielsen on a farm near Obert. She attended rural school near her home and during her late teens was employed as a nanny. She was a member of the Baptist faith. In June 1936, she married Clarence Apking. They enjoyed life in over 10 locations including the state of Washington during World War II and Colorado in the 1950s and 60s. She worked at various occupations during her lifetime. Sonja also volunteered with the 4-H and American Legion Auxiliary.

She enjoyed sewing, gardening and traveling to the states of Nevada, Texas, Iowa, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, and Alabama to visit children and grandchildren.

Sonja is survived by her son and wife, Perry and Lila Apking, Frisco, Texas; daughters and spouses, Claire and John Leger, Laurel, and Elaine and Harry Linn, Fort Payne, Ala.; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; sister and husband, Neletta and Ralph Norris, Denver, Colo.; nieces and nephews.

Sonja was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence, in 1982; son, Larry, in 2007; and siblings, Lydia, Matthew and Obed Nielsen.