Sonja was born July 15, 1941, in Crookston, MN, to John and Mabel (Iverson) Knutson. She grew up on her family’s farm near Nielsville, MN and graduated from high school in Halstad, MN. After graduation she worked at the Hillsboro Clinic.

On December 30, 1960, Sonja was united in marriage to Paul Beltz at St. Pietri Church in Nielsville, and they had three children together. In 1965 they moved to Ely, MN and Sonja provided daycare in her home for many years. In 1992, they moved to Moorhead and Sonja worked in the daycare at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She also worked for Country Greenery in Moorhead.

Faith was forever important to Sonja, and she was very active at Our Redeemer where she especially loved participating in the quilting g roup. O ver t he years she would contribute her skills to many beautiful quilts that were given to veteran’s groups, Churches United for the Homeless and overseas missions. S onja will be remembered as the “unpaid social director” at her apartment building where she eagerly planned and organized activities and events for her neighbors. She faithfully served her family, friends, church and neighbors with a servant’s heart and her love and hospitality will be deeply missed.

After retirement, Sonja and Paul enjoyed traveling and camping together. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in Norway and their 50th in Hawaii. Sonja also loved gardening, canning and baking, making many memorable treats that were enjoyed by her family, friends and neighbors.

Sonja is survived by her children, Susan (Raymond) Holmes, Chehalis, WA, Valerie (David) Lahtonen, Glenburn, ND, and Steven (Jolene) Beltz, Perham, MN; siblings, John (Sharon) Knutson and Mavis Haugstad; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Paul and siblings, Duane Knutson, Bev Martinson and Joanne Haugen.

Visitation will be Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2:00 P.M., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead. Burial will be at St. Pietri Cemetery, Nielsville, MN.