Sonja Birkeland, 77, of Belle Fourche and Dupree died Sunday, December 3, 2023 at her home near Belle Fourche.
Her funeral service was held December 11, 2023 at the Pioneer Hall in Dupree. Interment was at the Dupree Cemetery. Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials to the UCC Church in Dupree and Belle Fourche are requested.
Sonja Jean Colborn was born September 12, 1946 in Crandon, WI to Ernest and Pauline (Cable) Colborn. At an early age, Sonja moved with her family to South Bend, WA where she grew up and graduated from high school in 1965. In 1965, she and Gary Birkeland were married in Anchorage, AK and to this union was born three children: Jay, Ramon, and Kelly. After Gary was discharged from the Army, he brought his young bride to Dupree. It was quite the culture shock for Sonja but she adapted well after a few tough winters, living through an older uninsulated house and snow blocked roads.
Sonja was always determined, and strong, resilient, and brave. After the children grew up she worked part time as a mail carrier, and as a kitchen cook for the Dupree School. In 1972, Gary and Sonja built a house in Dupree, just in time for the arrival of their third child, Kelly. Sonja loved that home, and she always enjoyed her flowers but hated the chickens that always scratched up her flowers. She was a Legion Auxiliary member and
September 12, 1946 — December 3, 2023
active in the UCC Church, and she liked to play darts.
In 2000, Gary and Sonja built a new home two miles outside of Belle Fourche. Sonja loved the Black Hills. She loved getting together with the women in the neighborhood, often meeting in the basement sewing room to chat and sew and quilt. She enjoyed traveling with Gary and taking trips back home to Washington to see her family.
Sonja was diagnosed with cancer 11 years ago, and for the past 7 years it was a hard-fought battle. Through it all, Sonja never complained, and always showed great courage and strength. The staff at Heartland Home Healthcare was helpful, kind and compassionate. Sonja was a graceful woman and a private woman.
Sonja is survived by her husband, Gary of Belle Fourche/Dupree; sons Jay Birkeland of Rapid City and Ramon (Robbi) Birkeland of Dupree; daughter Kelly (Kevin) Keegan of Belle Fourche; 7 grandchildren: Randee, Brandee, Daxton, Raymie, Bailee, Clifton, and Dru; 7 greatgrandchildren: Teigyn, Levi, Logyn, Hays, Paxtyn, Rory, and Loxlee; sister Sherry Wilhelm of Rochester WA; brother Alan Colborn of Washington; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; great-granddaughter Leah Sayler; and sister Sandy Coma.
(Gary Birkeland’s address is 22040 166th St., Dupree SD 57623.)