SPARTA- Marcia Jean (Knutson) Sonnek, 70, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at her home in Sparta.
Marcia was born June 24, 1953 in Rice Lake to Arden and Patricia Eggleston. Marcia lived her younger years on the family farm just outside of Ridgeland, Wisconsin along with her three sisters, Sharon, Sandra, and Diane. During her four years at Prairie Farm High School, she was an honor roll student and active in high school activities. She played trombone in the high school band and was honored as Drum Majorette of the marching band. At her graduation, she achieved the highest academic rating in her school and was named Valedictorian for the graduating class of 1971.
After graduation, Marcia shared an apartment with her sister Sharon and attended Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, seeking a certification in finance and accounting. On July 22, 1972, Marcia married her high school sweetheart, Niles Alan Knutson, at the United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin in the presence of family and friends. This same church saw the marriage of her parents on February 25, 1950.
In 1975 along with her husband Niles, sisters Sandra, Diane and 3 friends formed a
Rock n Roll band “Spectrum”. They performed locally and recorded an album in August of 1977.
Niles & Marcia would embark on an adventurous life of travel over Niles’ 20-year career serving in the Army as an officer to the eventual rank of Major. From overseas in Germany to Colorado and several other tour of duties in Missouri, New York and Georgia. They would return to Colorado in the late 1990s and eventually arrive at their home in Sparta, Wisconsin in early 2000. Marcia kept a tidy home for their three sons, Cory, Christopher and Anthony all through these years.
Marcia was a natural born teacher. Helping with children during her daycare days out in Colorado to homeschooling in West Bend and Sparta. She had a gift and love for teaching.
Both Niles & Marcia instilled a strong faith in God within each of their sons. Marcia always had her Bible open to search out the scriptures for help and guidance. She was very thoughtful, kind, and loving and had a smile that lit up the room she was in.
Marcia’s husband Niles passed away on May 29, 2018 after a challenging 10-year struggle with M.S.A.
Marcia recovered from her loss with the support of her sisters, close friends and Bible scripture.
In the spring of 2023 Marcia married Charles Richard Sonnek of La Crescent MN, who had traveled a very similar journey in life. Having lost his wife of 46 years to Multiple Sclerosis.
Their new Love was a true blessing for them both, from our risen Savior the Lord Jesus Christ.
She is preceded in death by her husband Niles Knutson, parents Arden and Patricia Eggleston, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis and Arla Knutson, mother-in-law Gladys Berg, brother-in-law Norman Woods, and Grandparents.
Marcia is survived by her husband Charles Richard Sonnek of La Crecent, MN, 3 sons, Cory Alan (Libby) Knutson of Eau Claire, WI, Christopher Ashley Knutson of West Salem, WI, Anthony Martin (Brianna) Knutson of Sparta, WI, 2 grandchildren, Evan Aaron, Elizabeth Rose, sisters, Sharon (Tom) Vipond of Woodstock, GA, Sandra Bygd of Ridgeland, WI, Della Strand of Sauk Rapids, MN, brothers-in-law Gary (Ila) Knutson of Prairie Farm, WI, Dale (Dawn) Knutson of Glen Allen, VA, sister-in-law Rebecca Woods of Fridley, MN, numerous cousins, six nephews, four nieces.
We pray that by the Grace of our Risen Savior the Lord Jesus Christ that the soul of our Dear
Marcia Jean is welcomed into your eternal reward of witnessing your everlasting Light and Love. We also pray for your help in bringing Peace and Understanding to our broken hearts.
A memorial service will be planned for at a later date.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin
