Sonja Trickel Severson, age 90, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2023 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, where she had resided the past 3 months.  She was born in Monroe on October 5,1932 to Elmer (Jack) and Winnifred Hoffman Trickel.  

After graduating from Monroe High School in 1950, Sonja went on to Prospect Hall Secretary School in Milwaukee.  She worked for Rigel Carolina Corporation in Wilmington, North Carolina, while her former husband was stationed in the service.  When they returned to Monroe, Sonja began her employment at the Swiss Colony, where she worked for 33 years.  Sonja developed many wonderful friendships during her time at the Colony, which continued well beyond her retirement in 1995.  

Sonja was a life-long member of St. John’s UCC where she taught Sunday School and served on the church council and various committees.  After retirement, she worked as a volunteer in the church office, at the Green County Historical Society, and at the Monroe Hospital gift shop for 15 years.  Sonja also served on the board of the Monroe Arts Center.  She was a member of St. Omar Chapter Order of the Eastern Star since 1950.  She enjoyed traveling, especially when vacationing with her children and granddaughter.  Sonja was an avid book reader until she neared the end of her life.  

Surviving are her son, Mark, and daughter, Lynn Roethe, as well as her granddaughter, Erin Roethe (Tim Morrison), and great grandchildren, Bode and Rhys Morrison.  She is also survived by a cousin, Peter Dannerback.  

Sonja was a very devoted mother and grandmother.  Her family will forever admire her for her ambitious and independent nature. They are grateful for the excellent role model she provided, showing the benefits of hard work and determination.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Aster Assisted Living for the great care they provided for Sonja, where she lived the last five years of her life.  They also want to extend their sincere appreciation to St. Croix and Agrace Hospice, who cared for her with extraordinary compassion at the end of her life.

Per Sonja’s wishes, a private family burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.