Alfred "Al" A. Sonju

Alfred A. “Al” Sonju, age 71, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024, surrounded by family at his daughter’s home in Parkers Prairie.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. Beginning at 4 p.m., full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409. Following the military honors, a prayer service will be held. The visitation will continue following the prayer service and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. 

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Basswood Baptist Church near Richville with Rev. Trinity Opp presiding. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Richville.

Al was born on October 31, 1952, to Alfred Augustine Sonju and Eileen Therese (Andreas-Sonju) Benhardus in Hannaford, North Dakota. After Al’s father passed away when he was three, the family moved to Ottertail County, where his mother later married George Benhardus.

Al graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1971. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving from 1972 to 1974, including working on the flight deck of the USS Saratoga during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, Al lived a life full of adventures and new experiences—hitchhiking to Montana, attending multiple colleges, and trying various jobs, from car detailing and hauling sugar beets to telemarketing. Eventually, he found a job he loved, working for the State of Minnesota through the Workforce Center, helping veterans get their feet on the ground and find employment.

When he wasn’t helping people, Al pursued his childhood dream of becoming an auctioneer, starting a family auction business on the weekends. Although he retired early, he continuously found ways to serve people and entertain through singing and mentoring.

In 1986, he married Julie Williams in Sisseton, South Dakota, and gained a son, Jude. This marriage also brought four other children into the world: Janel, Andrea, Andrew, and Alex. Although Al and Julie divorced in 2001, they remained friends with love until the end.

Al loved hunting, fishing, watching the price of gold and silver, listening to Swap Shop, collecting tractors, sharing his faith with everyone he met, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He created the Kindness Club for his grandchildren, taking them on adventures as a reward for their kindness. Al cherished staying connected with family and friends, always offering advice and whatever he could give to support anyone in need. He enjoyed going for walks, appreciating his slice of heaven on Earth at Indian Lake, and taking in the sunsets. Al treasured all of God’s creation.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Eileen Sonju Benhardus; father, Alfred Sonju; sister, Margaret Skjerven; brothers, Ted Schuler and Andrew Sonju; brother-in-law, Dale Williams; and sister-in law, Deane Williams.

Al is survived by his children and grandchildren: Jude (Misty) Sonju of St. Joseph and their children, Braeden, Israel, Calvin, Alex, and Jace; Janel (Craig) Zappe of Carlos and their children, Hunter, Brody, and Finley; Andrea (Bryce Lamb) Sonju of Parkers Prairie and their children, Ashton and Hudson; Andrew (Libby) Sonju of Upland, Indiana; and Alex Sonju of Alexandria; former wife and friend, Julie Sonju of Alexandria; siblings, Dorothy Sonju, Irene Sonju, Eleanor (Dean) Theobald, Michael Sonju, and Stephanie (Chris) Conant; sisters-in-law, Mary Schuler and Diane (Richard) Armstrong; brothers-in-law, John Skjerven and Dean Williams; along with many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

One of Al’s greatest pleasures was spending time with those he loved most. We grieve his loss but rejoice that he received his miracle healing in heaven, where he can sing, dance, and breathe again. A special thank you to Alomere Health and their team, Kendra and Amy from Knute Nelson, and his Moments Hospice Team—Leslie, Heather, Ashley, Sara, Witney, and Julie—for their extraordinary care and love they showed Al.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family, Moments Hospice, or take the time to be kind and offer something to help someone in need just like Al would while showing them love.