Sonja Rae Zeithamer

Sonja Rae (Trousil) Zeithamer was born August 29, 1943 in Alexandria, MN, the oldest and only daughter of Martin & Eldore Trousil.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

Sonja attended country school and graduated from Jefferson Sr. High School in 1961.  She then attended MN School of Business in Minneapolis, graduating in 1962. 

On June 1, 1965 Sonja was united in marriage to Richard Zeithamer at Calvary Lutheran Church.  They built their house and made their home on Lake Andrew, on land given to them from her parents as a wedding gift.  The couple was blessed with two children, Twylla and John.

Sonja enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening in 2 large gardens; including raspberries, strawberries and apples.  Raising chickens & ducks and meticulously maintaining their 2 acre lawn were also yearly pastimes. 

Music was a big part of Sonja’s life as well.  She bought a Conn organ in the 1970’s and played daily; usually playing hymns.  She played at Calvary Lutheran Church and numerous weddings.  She was also a member of the church choir.  When she wasn’t weeding her gardens or playing the organ, her favorite pastime was crocheting.  Taught by her mother-in-law, Sonja crocheted numerous afghans, pillows, and completed the full “Strawberry Shortcake Dolly” collection.  While her memory allowed, the most recent obsession was crocheting edging around fleece blankets, resulting in too many to count!

In 1976, with both children in school; Sonja went back to work outside the home, driving school bus part time for District 206.  Shortly after starting, Sonja was appointed as Secretary to the Director of Transportation, a full time position she retained for 29+ years; retiring in July 2005.  She returned as a substitute driver from October 2005 until 2013.   During her time with the school district, she met a lot of kids, knew their parents and probably knew their grand-parents too.  Sonja knew where each student lived and what bus they rode.  After retirement, Sonja kept busy making deliveries for Thrifty White part time and helped care for her only biological grandson, Jase.  He brought smiles and joy to her life each day.

Sonja went to be with the Lord on April 12, finally free from the grip of Alzheimer’s. 

She is survived by her husband, Richard of 57+ years; daughter, Twylla (Dan) Vickmark; son, John (Tammy) Zeithamer.  Grandchildren: Jase Zeithamer, Dustin (Stephanie) Vickmark, Darrin Vickmark, Doug (Brooke) Vickmark; Great-Grandchildren: Maggie, Matthew, Layla, Odin Vickmark; sister-in-law Cindy Trousil; brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Arlene Zeithamer; three nieces, 11 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Eldore; brothers Warren, Roland, and Merle; Father and mother-in law Rudolph and Doris Zeithamer; brother and sisters-in law Raymond and Dorothy Trousil, Lawrence and Ruth Krause, Rudy and Shirley Zeithamer, niece Heidi Zeithamer. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue on Friday, April 21, 2023, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at the Bohemian Independent Cemetery.