Chamberlain, Sonja Kay (Peterson)

Sonja Kay (Peterson) Chamberlain of Anoka, MN passed away at age 76 on Sept. 25th, 2024. She was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin on April 4th, 1948 to Hilda Elzona and Clarence Samuel Peterson. Sonja is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ronald Chamberlain; their sons Benjamin Andrew (Leah) and Lucas Samuel (Jessica); six grandchildren Juniper, Autumn, Kaia, Anna, Sylvia, and Felix; and siblings Gloria Trevorrow and Dianne Mingione. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Charles F. Pelanek, and siblings Robert Peterson, Mary Ellen Ladd, Betty Andro, Ronnie Peterson, and Steven Pelanek.

She grew up on the family farm in Highland, WI, attended Union Valley one-room schoolhouse, and is a proud graduate of Dodgeville High School. She attended Luther College in Decorah, IA, where she earned the BA in Music Education and sang in Nordic Choir under the direction of Weston Noble. She later attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned the Master of Music Education degree. Sonja Chamberlain was a highly regarded music educator for over 30 years in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, inspiring her students to the highest musical standards. During her teaching career, her Concert Choir was selected to perform at MMEA, and she was named Minnesota Music Educator of the Year in 1994. After retirement, Sonja remained a dedicated musician, performing with Two Rivers Chorale and the Zion Lutheran Church Choir.

Sonja adored time with friends, of which she had many. She traveled the world, riding mules down the Grand Canyon, fly fishing in Canada, and climbing to the summit of Mt. Whitney. A favorite, however, was always time away at the Schmidt cabin on Lake Superior.

As the Chamberlain matriarch, Sonja’s greatest joy was championing her children and grandchildren. She worked tirelessly to create a warm, joyous oasis, home to Norwegian cooking, Christmas carols, games, and uproarious laughter. A passionate supporter of her family’s endeavors, she was always present for life’s important moments, no matter the distance.

Sonja will be cherished and remembered by her friends and family. 

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church (1601 4th Avenue; Anoka, MN 55303). The visitation will be at 1:30 p.m., followed by the funeral at 3:00 p.m.