Sonja Helen Hagestuen

1938 - 2024

Sonja Helen (Storvick) Hagestuen of Aitkin passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. She was born November 24, 1938 in Mason City, Iowa, the daughter of Roy and Helen Grace (Weeks) Storvick. After graduating from Wadena High School, she earned a B.A. at St. Olaf College and began her teaching career as a physical education and music teacher for Aitkin Schools. Sonja met Donald John Hagestuen in the fall of 1960. They were engaged by Christmas and united in marriage on June 17, 1961. Together, they nurtured a close family of four children. Sonja and Don considered one another their best friend, enjoying daily conversations over coffee and sharing stories from the day. Sonja joyfully worshiped and served at First Lutheran Church. She directed the adult and children's choirs, served on the Worship and Music Committee, and taught Bible stories through delightful children's musicals. She was president of WELCA and active in her church circle. Sonja appreciated the partnerships of Aitkin community congregations in ecumenical events such as the Community Messiah Sings and community Lenten Services. She was always inviting, learning, and encouraging. Sonja instituted the Red Cross Swimming lesson program, ran the summer recreation program, volunteered for Friends of the Arts, supported the library, and participated in community tennis. She taught piano lessons to many, including her Aitkin grandchildren. Sonja enthusiastically planned family camping and cottage trips. Swimming, skating, skiing, sliding, and bonfires filled family time in the evenings and on Sunday afternoons. She had an extraordinary love of the outdoors and passed that on to her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Don on October 29, 2020, and siblings: Olin (Ruth) Storvick, David Storvick, Rosalie Miller and Sonja's parents: Roy and Helen Storvick.

Sonja is survived by her 4 children: Rebecca Hagestuen Wyffels (Curt Wyffels), Naomi Hagestuen LaFrenz (Jason LaFrenz), Kurt Hagestuen (Kelly), Erik Hagestuen (Maureen) 12 grandchildren: Andrew Wyffels, Rachel Wyffels, Emma LaFrenz, Madeline LaFrenz, Sam LaFrenz, Jacob Hagestuen, Nathan Hagestuen (Heather), Joshua Hagestuen, Alaina Hagestuen, Nora Hagestuen, Griffin Hagestuen, and Linnea Hagestuen; brothers and sisters-in-law: Sylvia Storvick, Lyndon and Ann Hagestuen, Dan and Judy Forde, and many other special relatives and friends who mourn her passing. The family is filled with gratitude for all the compassionate care on the journey as well as lasting friendships with the caregivers, residents, families at Aitkin Health Services.

"...What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Sonja and Don loved the camps affiliated with First Lutheran Church (FLC), especially Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion, both under the title of Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry (VLM). Because of their deep relationship with both organizations, memorials can be gifted to FLC or VLM. Funeral services are being planned for the summer of 2024 and will be posted when set. Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin. Visit www.srtfuneral.com for updates & to leave a message of condolence.