Sonja Brunko

Sonja Brunko, age 62, of Pine River, passed away March 2, 2009. She was born September 22, 1946 in Kulm, ND, to Manfred and Florence Lindgren. Sonja's family moved to Pine River in 1961 and she graduated from Pine River High School in 1965. She married her high school sweetheart, Larry Brunko, on June 3, 1966 in Bessmer, Michigan. Together they raised three children on two continents.
Sonja rode four different bicycles across eleven states. She was soft spoken, and the sweetest, kindest person until she got on her bicycle and became very competitive. Besides bicycling, Sonja loved Jesus, her family, reading, knitting, power tools and ice cream.
Sonja is survived by her husband, Larry; children: Lori Rideout (Barry), Tami Daugherty (Darrell), John Brunko (Maria); brothers: Lester Loven, Spencer Lindgren; and grandchildren: Abbey, Drew, Sam, Myles, Elizabeth, Amilia, and Isek.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be 11 AM on Friday, March 6 at The Journey Church in Nisswa, with Pastor Scott Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Norwood Cemetery, rural Pine River. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes, and one hour prior to the service at the church.