Irma Sonnenberg

Irma Sonnenberg, age 79, of Vergas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the age of 79.

Irma Jean Sonnenberg was born on January 1, 1946, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Samuel and Irene (Porter) Benson. She lived in Wilton, Minnesota, until moving to Frazee with her family in 1961. She graduated from Frazee High School in 1963.

Irma married her soul mate, Harvey Sonnenberg, on February 2, 1968. This union bore three children, Renee, Bucky (Scott) and Brandon. When Harvey became disabled, Irma was his caretaker. Harvey passed away on May 11, 2016.

Together, Harvey and Irma purchased Benson’s Café from Irma’s parents, which they ran until the early 1970s. Harvey and Irma moved to Vergas in 1974, then in 1977 Harvey and Irma purchased the Corner Bar in Vergas—Sonnenberg’s Tap. They sold the bar in 1984. After selling the bar, Irma held several jobs, but the most enjoyable to her was waitressing at The Loon’s Nest, and being a cook at Billy’s Corner Bar.

Irma made many friends throughout her working years. Everyone seemed to know her from The Loon’s Nest and Billy’s Corner Bar. She loved spending time with her family, especially her two grandchildren, Braylen and Caleb. She loved having flower gardens, watching birds, squirrels and people. She also enjoyed going to play bingo.

Irma is survived by her children, Renee of Vergas, Bucky (Scott) and his wife Julie, of Frazee, Brandon and his wife Kayla, of Frazee; 2 grandchildren, Braylen and Caleb; and a sister, Betty Benson of Dilworth; along with several brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great-nephews.

Irma is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; son-in-law, Perry Grundyson; parents, Sam & Irene Benson; parents-in-law, Ted & Alvina Sonnenberg; 2 brothers, Chester Benson and Jay Benson; 3 sisters, Sara O’Grady, Susan Turnbull and Joann Cichy; nephews, Terry O’Grady, Jr. and Jerry Poss; niece LaVonne (Poss) Richards; several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Vergas. A Memorial Service will be conducted at the church on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting an hour prior. Inurnment will be held at a later date.