Sonja L. Rathbun, 82, of Eau Claire, died Tuesday, January 9, 2018, at Grace Edgewood Assisted Living in Altoona. She was born in Eau Claire on February 24, 1935, the daughter of Olaf and Mabel (Burt) Larson. She Graduated from Eau Claire High School and attended St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, where she earned a B.S. in Nursing. She later earned a Master's Degree from UW – Stout. Sonja married George E. Rathbun at First Lutheran Church on April 12, 1958. During her career, she worked as a nurse at University Hospital in Iowa City, IA and at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, and then went on to teach nursing at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College. Sonja was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing bridge and bunco, traveling, gardening, skiing, and her annual reunion with five close friends from St. Olaf College. She was a spirited woman to the end, and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by a daughter Kelley Okerman of Plymouth, MN and grandchildren Charles, Jane and Jack Okerman; a son Todd (Karen) Rathbun of Nelson, WI and grandchildren Tyler and Emily Rathbun; a sister Ellie (David) Lindow; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sonja was preceded in death by her husband George, parents Olaf and Mabel, sister Marilyn, and brother Tom. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2018, at Spirit Lutheran Church, 1310 Main St., Eau Claire, with Pastor Jim Ahlquist officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2018, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire, and one hour prior to services Friday, at church. The family would like to give special thanks to the Grace Edgewood staff and St. Joseph's Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Memorials are preferred to Spirit Lutheran Church 1310 Main St., Eau Claire, WI 54701, or the Alzheimer's Association 2900 Curry Lane Suite A, Green Bay, WI 54311.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Thursday, January 11 2018 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home 814 First Ave Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Friday, January 12 2018 9:30 AM

Spirit Lutheran Church 1310 Main St. Eau Claire WI 54701

Funeral Service

Friday, January 12 2018 10:30 AM

Spirit Lutheran Church 1310 Main St. Eau Claire WI 54701