Sonja Arlene Olson was an only child born on October 27, 1948, to William and Marvis (Balmer) Olson in Emmetsburg, IA. The family later moved to Des Moines, IA, where Sonja graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1966. She later earned her baccalaureate in education from Drake University.
Sonja was employed in the Des Moines Public Schools for many years. During her career she also taught English for several semesters to school children in Kofu, Japan. In her leisure time she enjoyed bicycle riding, having completed RAGBRAI multiple times. She was a free spirit who enjoyed meeting new people regardless of their backgrounds and was always willing to help those in need.
Her first marriage to John Huss resulted in three beautiful children and her second marriage to Peter Prahl was blessed by an additional two children.
Sonja passed away surrounded by family on November 7, 2024, at Senior Suites in Urbandale, IA. She is survived by her children Theresa (Ross) Allen, Vanessa (Joe Anderson) Wulf, Jennifer Huss, Kirsti (Paul) Youngs, William (Alexandra) Prahl and grandchildren Taylor (Steven) Mosher, Noah Frederiksen, Claudia Wulf, Carter Wulf, Luke Youngs, Eleanor Youngs, Elliott Prahl and Fynn Prahl. She was preceded in death by parents William and Marvis and great grandchild Gabriel Mosher.
Sonja’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Suncrest Hospice and Senior Suites for the high level of compassionate care they provided in her final moments.
A Visitation for Sonja will be held at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321 on Friday, November 15th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in her honor.
