Sonja Leora (Grill) Meyer was born Dec 9, 1932 in Kenmare, ND to Reverend Ernest and Esther (Rasmussen) Grill. Growing up she lived in Caruthers, CA and Portland, OR before moving to Minden, NE. Sonja graduated from Minden High School in 1950 and then attended Dana College in Blair NE. On Dec. 29, 1953 she was united in marriage to Marvin Meyer. She passed away at the age of 91 on March 4, 2024 after a long and rich life.

Sonja is survived by her loving husband, Marvin Meyer; children, Brian Meyer, Brent (Dawn) Meyer, Heidi (Wade) Harper, Holli (Michael) Giebler; brother, Keith (Janet) Grill; eleven grandchildren, David Meyer, Paul (Kristen) Meyer, James (Aryana) Meyer, Christian (Elisabeth) Meyer, Carl (Maggie) Meyer, Peter (Kyra) Meyer, Eric Meyer, Nicholas Harper, Nathan Harper, Mitchell Giebler, and Claudia Giebler. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and loyal friends who loved her dearly. Sonja was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Esther (Rasmussen) Grill; sisters, Carolyn Nelson, and Marilyn Christensen; son, David Keith Meyer; and great granddaughter, Penelope Meyer.

Sonja and Marvin met in high school in Minden, NE, both graduating in 1950. Sonja studied English for two years at Dana College in Blair, NE. After their marriage in 1953, they moved to Harlingen, TX where Marvin was stationed in the Air Force. They were later transferred to Malone, FL and Kinston, NC before moving back to Minden, NE where they raised their family and attended Fredericksburg Lutheran Church. Sonja and Marvin moved to Ft. Collins, CO in 2008 to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

Sonja was a loving and dedicated wife and mother who took great pride and joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Throughout her long life, her interests in literature, music, nature, nutrition, and science were an inspiration to her family and friends. She was an accomplished vocalist and spent her life joyfully immersed in music, participating in many local choral groups, musicals, and church choirs. She loved attending musical performances both locally and wherever she traveled. Sonja was also an amazing gardener. Her vegetable garden supplied the family with homegrown vegetables year-round and her rose gardens brought her great joy. As an avid reader, Sonja never stopped learning and took many adult education classes in the areas of Astronomy, English, and Music. Her resilience, strength of character, and enthusiasm for life and learning will long be remembered. She will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday May 4, 2024 at Fredericksburg Lutheran Church in Minden, NE with PMA Julie Schmidt officiating. The service will be streamed to the funeral home's Facebook page. Inurnment will be held following the service at Fredericksburg Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Fredericksburg Cemetery (616 33 Road, Minden, NE 68959) or the Parkinson's Foundation ( www.parkinson.org ). Craig Funeral Home in Minden is assisting the family. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .