Sonja Johnson

After a gallant 11 year battle with ovarian cancer, Sonja Catherine Johnson has passed on to heaven at the age of 42. Sonja's grace and optimism simply astounded the medical community as she consistently overcame tremendous odds time after time. We were all blessed to have had her for many more years than could have been expected. A Bismarck native and 1981 graduate of Century High School, Sonja was a trained hairstylist working at "Sally's" and then J.C. Penney's until her health precluded this pursuit. She enjoyed her fellow employees and clients and her natural ability to converse with anyone she met made them appreciate her as well. Sonja was an award winning doll-maker. Her talents extended to the process of kiln-fired production as well as to traditional doll-making. The dresses and accoutrements that she designed and made were outstanding works of craftsmanship and she enjoyed giving finished dolls to family and friends. Sonja was an avid gardener who enjoyed spending time tending to her vegetables. Again, the finished results of her efforts were shared with family and friends, as it was her nature to share what she had with others. This included, upon passing, the selfless donation of her corneas for the recipient of a transplant. Always forward looking, Sonja's latest passion and pursuit was gourmet cooking and despite failing health she worked hard to please all and bless them with an invite for dinner. Her faithful feline companion "Bernie" brought pleasure and comfort to her and we all laughed as she would tell of Bernie's latest adventure. Sonja is the daughter of Thomas W. and Tish deceased Johnson. In addition to her father she leaves behind, a brother Charles Bismarck sister, brother-in-law and niece Sheila, Jim and Kelly Tyler Encinitas, CA, step-mother Ruth Owens Johnson, Grandmother Josephine Kramer Linton, ND and special friend Darrel Erck. She also leaves behind aunts and uncles Beatrice and Dean Wolf Albuquerque, NM, Sylvia and Bill Stevens Brandon, MS, 5 cousins, 2 great-aunts, stepbrother Russell Zuger and his daughter Lois, stepsister Diane Z. Buchli Ian and son Zane, and dear friends. The photos in her home are just a small indicator of how special all of these people were to her and her to them. Sonja's family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who extended her life and enhanced the quality of her life under very trying circumstances. Special thanks to Dr. J.T. Reynolds of Medcenter One's Department of Oncology. Services will be held Saturday, April 9th, 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Bismarck with Father Thomas Kramer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Sonja Johnson

March 15, 1963 - April 5, 2005