Jerald 'Jerry' Leland Sonju, 77

Jerald “Jerry” Leland Sonju, loving father, brother and grandpa, passed away at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Oct. 31, 2021, at the age of 77.

Jerry was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Oliver and Gertrude Sonju. Jerry graduated from Shelby High School in 1962. He was an accomplished athlete and continued a love of most sports throughout his life. He followed countless young athletes including nephews and grandchildren. Jerry always had advice to help young athletes improve their skills and become smarter about the game.

After high school he joined the Army in 1965 and was stationed in Germany as an MP. Jerry married Terrie Ann Long in 1970. Together they welcomed two beautiful children, Ryan L. Sonju and Dana Sonju Conley.

In 1987 Jerry and Sherri Hundahl were married. They shared a love for yard work, golf, their countless puppies and most recently they found and cherished the Lord.

Jerry was a believer, a friend, mentor and loving family man. He took great pleasure in spreading joy with everyone around him. He never went anywhere without sharing a corny joke, which most of the time made him laugh more than the person he told it to. He was a goofy character with his main goal in life to spread laughter. He was the kind of guy that anyone who ever had the pleasure to meet him will never forget him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Gertrude and brother Oliver Sonju Jr.

He is survived by his son Ryan (Alison), daughter Dana Conley (Owen), grandchildren Tyler Sonju, Stephanie Sonju, KeAnna Henrekin (Cole), Darrian Conley, Aspen Conley and Kyla Conley, brothers Richard (Dick) Sonju, Ed Sonju, and Jack Sonju, and sisters Diane Severson and Kaye Tomlinson.