Sonja Horner

Sonja M. (Trom) Horner, 81, of West McDonald Lake near Dent, MN, passed away in her home from stroke complications on Sunday, January 14, 2024, with her husband and children by her side.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service and time for sharing at 6:30 on Friday, January 26 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham, MN. Visitation will resume from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 on Saturday, January 27 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham.

Sonja Martha Trom was born September 3, 1942, in Fargo, ND, to Sophus and Martha (Stenberg) Trom of Casselton, ND. After graduating from Casselton High School in 1960, Sonja attended college and worked in the billing department at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo.

A New Year’s Eve date led to a 58-year marriage to Robert Horner, formerly of Blabon, ND. Sonja and Bob raised their children, Gregg, Ross, and Andrea, in Fargo. Following baseball, football, hockey, and softball seasons, Sonja was always her children’s biggest cheerleader. Additionally, she provided piano lessons to numerous students from her home. A member of Hope Lutheran, Sonja volunteered with the church council as well as other areas of need.

Retiring to West McDonald Lake, the Horner household welcomed friends and family year-round. Anyone she met was considered a friend. Sonja always had homemade treats in the freezer and a full coffee pot. Our family treasured Sonja for many attributes, but her ability to keep people close will be greatly missed. She organized many get-togethers for family, friends, and her lake neighbors. Her frequent phone calls showed how much she cared.

A creative soul, she hosted craft fairs, crocheted lace trim on flannel baby blankets, and quilted magnificent masterpieces for her family and friends. The family requests attendees bring Sonja-gifted quilts to the church to be draped on pews, around their shoulders, or on their laps. She always insisted her quilts be used, not just displayed.

Her servant-heart continued at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Participating on the Prayer Team, helping organize and distribute the Backpack Program and Personal Care Kits, and sewing with the quilting group, Sonja lived her Christian faith by reading devotions daily and treating all she met with unparalleled kindness. She truly exemplified a servant spirit.

Sonja is survived by her husband Robert; children Gregg (Kathleen) of Valley City, ND, Ross (Beth) of Bismarck, ND, and Andrea (Curt) Hatle of Fargo; grandchildren Phoebe (Jordan) Hoerner of Bismarck, Alexander Horner of Bismarck, Iain Horner of Fargo, Chase Hatle of Dent, Maren (Maxwell) Race of Pella, IA, and Brock (Ashley Cotney) Hatle of Fargo; and great-grandchildren Holden Leier and Stevie and Robert Hoerner.

Preceding her in death were her parents Sophus and Martha Trom; brothers Omer and Paul Trom; and sister JoAnne Madsen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity or donating to Calvary Lutheran’s Backpack or Personal Care Kits programs. Calvary Lutheran Church, 619 3rd Ave SW, Perham, MN 56573.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com