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Callender -- Sonja L. Bloomquist, 83, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at her home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Callender, with Pastor Greg Stano and Deb Stano officiating. Burial will be in Callender Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Funeral Home in Gowrie.
Sonja is survived by her daughters Heather (Mark) Applegate of Fort Dodge, Heidi Geisler (Wesley Beyers) of Churdan, grandchildren, Jeff (Kristal) Luft, Grace Geisler (Adam Bauer), Jacob Geisler, Boden Bright, Jordyn Luft, Cobey Applegate, siblings, Janiece Piltingsrud of Fairfield, Douglas (Mary Kay) Piltingsrud of Eyota, MN, Paul Piltingsrud of Gowrie, Priscilla (Steve) Jerome of Lehigh, and many nieces and nephews.
Sonja is preceded in death by her husband Mickey, and parents, Howard and Margaret (Hunter) Piltingsrud.
Sonja L. Piltingsrud was born on March 2, 1943, in Lake City and graduated from Prairie View in 1961. After high school, she attended and graduated from Spencer School of Beauty. She was united in marriage to Dean Swenson on November 22, 1963, at Callender, and they later divorced. Sonja owned and operated The Coiffure Shop in Callender for many years. On October 9, 2004, she was united in marriage to Mickey Bloomquist. They established their home in the Callender area. Sonja was a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Callender and was a very active parishioner, especially enjoying the church bazaars, sewing days, and lefse making. She was baptized on April 11, 1943, and was confirmed on June 8, 1958.
Sonja had many different jobs throughout the years, but she found the most joy in the simple things -- taking care of her cows on the farm, tending to her garden, and flowers, most of all sewing. Sonja made dresses for Heather and Heidi's weddings and prom dresses as well as other special occasions. She poured so much love and creativity into everything she made. She truly loved dressing up and had such a flair for clothing and fashion. She also had a wonderful eye for interior design. Her sense of style and creativity were evident in everything she did. Above all, she was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and loved watching them grow, succeed, and become the people they are today.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.