Margaret Ann Sonksen

Margaret (Peggy) Sonksen was born in St. Paul Minnesota to Richard and Margaret Gilbert in the summer of 1936. Although Peggy was the only child of Dick and Peg Gilbert, her mother had ten siblings so Peggy would often have cousins stay at their house for sometimes lengthy stays throughout her early years. Many of her cousins were young men from the farms in Lac qui Parle County on their way in and out of World War II. Eleven of her cousins were veterans of that war and were always welcome in the Gilbert home. Their house was open and loving to a large family.

Peggy graduated from Harding High school in St. Paul in 1954. She also attended one year of college at Macalester College. During high school she enjoyed working at the soda fountain at the Minnehaha Drug Store. She also worked at the South Shore Café in South Dakota in the summers. After college Peggy worked full time for Economics Laboratories (EcoLab) until she had her children.

Peggy married Edward Sonksen in April, 1963. They were able to celebrate their 61st anniversary in 2024. The marriage brought two children, Mitchell and Anne. Much of Peggy’s energy for the next couple of decades was spent raising her children. She did a great job raising kids because she was such a good teacher. She had many close friends in their neighborhood. Peggy and Ed raised their children as Christians and had been members of Grace Lutheran church for over 60 years.

Peggy had many hobbies that kept her busy and that she enjoyed very much. Her favorite hobby was sewing and she became an excellent seamstress. She made a lot of clothes worn by her and Anne with her own hands. She also loved to play tennis and water-ski. She loved listening to country music and also loved to paint on canvas.

Peggy also loved to spend time at their cabin in South Dakota. This cabin was another home Eddie built for Peggy. More important than the fishing and boating were the friendships they made in the many years they spent there.

After retiring, Peggy and Ed would enjoy their grandchildren, Preston, Autumn (Anne), Hayden and Sam (Mitch) and their great-grandchild, Juliette (Preston).

Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Sonksen, mother, Margaret Gilbert, and father, Richard Gilbert.

Peggy is survived by her two children, Mitchell Sonksen (Angie), Anne Fleischhaker (Mike), grandchildren, Preston Huddleston (Emma), Autumn Huddleston, Sam Sonksen, Hayden Harville and great grandchild, Juliette Huddleston. Peggy was respected and loved and will be missed by many.

A visitation for Margaret will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 1730 Old Hudson Road, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106, with a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at 2:15 PM at Cottage Grove Cemetery, 10999 70th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.