Sonja Zitur

Sonja Kim Zitur, age 61, of St. Cloud, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 30^th at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch and time for remembering Sonja’s life.  Please join Sonja’s family at The Park Event Center in Waite Park.  

Sonja was born August 29, 1962, in Minneapolis, MN to Phillip and Helen Sundquist.  She graduated from Apollo High School in 1980.  Sonja went on to attend college at St. Cloud State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.  She started working for St. Cloud Hospital in 1985 working in entry level accounting and advanced through several finance positions and most recently, she held the title Senior Finance Director - Financial Planning & Analysis.  She was fully dedicated to her profession and humbly built an impeccable reputation amongst her colleagues.  Sonja won several awards throughout her career, most recently the “Our Best Begins with Me” award in 2023.  

More important than any secular title or award, Sonja valued her family above all else.  She met her husband Steve in 8^th grade speech class and has distracted him ever since. They began dating during their senior year of high school and they married after college graduation in 1984.  They cherished their marriage and spent many years enjoying their lives together riding motorcycle, snowmobiling, and dining out with friends.   In 1988, they welcomed their first daughter, Michelle, and soon after in 1991, their second daughter, Amanda.  Sonja made it a priority to build lasting memories with her family at “the land,” boating, and on countless camping trips.  She supported her husband and daughters faithfully, through her abundance of patience, love, and kindness.  Sonja’s greatest joy arrived in 2018.  She was blessed with her first and only granddaughter, River Rose.  Nothing made Sonja happier than being River’s Nana.  

Sonja was a woman of strong faith.  The Bible’s promises helped her to endure her battle with cancer.  She treasured her relationship with Jehovah God and faithfully served him as part of the East St. Cloud Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

Sonja is survived by her husband of 39 years, Steve Zitur; daughters, Michelle Zitur, Amanda (Eric) Sweningson; granddaughter, River; parents, Phillip and Helen Sundquist; brother, Mark (Terese) Sundquist; Sisters-in-law, Karen (Ralph) Hanson, Chris Zitur, Mary Lou Zitur; nieces and nephews; Josh (Abby) Sundquist, Megan Sundquist, Jeff (Jenna) Sundquist, Mark (Laura Jo) Zitur, Laura (Cole) Hedlund, Christy O’Keefe, Matt (Amy) Hansen, Samantha (Justin) Rule: and countless friends.  

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and brothers-in-law, Tom Zitur and Ken Zitur. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Coborn Cancer Center or CentraCare Hospice.