Marilyn Sonksen
December 5, 1933 — November 14, 2021
Marilyn Sonksen was born on December 5, 1933 in Breda, Iowa to Edward and Dorothy (Pacholke) Schluter. She graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1952 and was united in 65 years of marriage to Walter on November 27, 1955. They had two children: Randall and Joan.
Having lived her early life in Iowa, upon their marriage, their life became adventurous. Due to Walt’s employment and company transfers they lived in a variety of states with Marilyn staying home with the children. They left Mapleton, Iowa where their son was born, went to Culver City, California and then moved to St. Louis, Missouri where their daughter was born. From there they moved to Virginia, California, Texas, New Mexico, South Carolina and then to Ida Grove in 1970 when Walt purchased a business settling there for 16 years. Marilyn worked several years at the Ida County State Bank. Due to her husband earning awards in his business, she had the chance to visit Hawaii and Spain. They have lived in Avoca for 35 years.
Marilyn was the best cook and always had homemade dessert after the meal for Walt. She as an excellent seamstress making most of Joan’s clothes growing up and sewed several outfits for her grandsons. She was known for her quick wit, kind spirit and love of animals.
On Sunday, November 14, 2021 Marilyn passed away at Avoca Specialty in Avoca, Iowa having attained the age of eight-seven years, eleven months and nine days. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ron and sister-in-law Millie Schluter.
She is survived by her husband Walter Sonksen; son Randy (Donna) Sonksen; daughter Joan (Steve) Erickson; grandsons Chad (Jana) Erickson and Corey (Kayla) Erickson; 4 great grandchildren: Cole, Mila, Graham and Leslie; other family and friends.
Having lived her early life in Iowa, upon their marriage, their life became adventurous. Due to Walt’s employment and company transfers they lived in a variety of states with Marilyn staying home with the children. They left Mapleton, Iowa where their son was born, went to Culver City, California and then moved to St. Louis, Missouri where their daughter was born. From there they moved to Virginia, California, Texas, New Mexico, South Carolina and then to Ida Grove in 1970 when Walt purchased a business settling there for 16 years. Marilyn worked several years at the Ida County State Bank. Due to her husband earning awards in his business, she had the chance to visit Hawaii and Spain. They have lived in Avoca for 35 years.
Marilyn was the best cook and always had homemade dessert after the meal for Walt. She as an excellent seamstress making most of Joan’s clothes growing up and sewed several outfits for her grandsons. She was known for her quick wit, kind spirit and love of animals.
On Sunday, November 14, 2021 Marilyn passed away at Avoca Specialty in Avoca, Iowa having attained the age of eight-seven years, eleven months and nine days. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ron and sister-in-law Millie Schluter.
She is survived by her husband Walter Sonksen; son Randy (Donna) Sonksen; daughter Joan (Steve) Erickson; grandsons Chad (Jana) Erickson and Corey (Kayla) Erickson; 4 great grandchildren: Cole, Mila, Graham and Leslie; other family and friends.
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