Sonja Jobes, 85

Sonja Jobes, age 85, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at her home.  Sonja was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on March 3, 1940, to Andres and Antoinette van Doornik.  She met a dashing, young American GI by the name of Albert “Bert” Jobes at age 15 and they married on December 22, 1958, after she turned 18.  After Bert retired from the service, they made their home in Bloomington, MN.  

Sonja worked as a bookkeeper for Saga Foods for a number of years.  When she left that, she became a business owner, opening her own art studio where she taught classes and inspired many to find and nurture their own creative juices.  A gifted artist, Sonja embraced any new creative interests whole-heartedly.  Her portraits and drawings came alive on canvas with expressive eyes that reach out to the viewer.  She became an avid member of the local quilting group and loved not only quilting, but anything involved with sewing.  

 Sonja was much loved by anyone who knew her.  A gifted storyteller, she was enthusiastically welcomed at campfires where her stories came alive and she got her audience laughing.  She was sweet but feisty, living life to the fullest and inspiring others to embrace their creativity with the same gusto that she embraced hers.

 Sonja is survived by her children, Albert (Tammy) Jobes, Jr. of Pine Island, MN, Robin Jobes of Mandan, ND, Denise (Alan) Wright of Reed City, MI; 3 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Paulette Reid of Reed City, MI; many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Bert, on September 25, 2011; her parents; 4 sisters.

 A Catholic Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Bruzek Funeral Home with MaryCarol Wolf officiating.  Visitation will be held Monday from 5-7 p.m. and Tuesday morning from 7:30 a.m. until service time.  A lunch will be held at Le Fete Royale (formerly The Depot) New Prague, following the service and burial will occur at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.  

Sonja’s love for animals led her to saving bunnies, squirrels, and raccoons through the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to that organization: wrcmn.org

bruzekfuneralhome.com