February 8, 1937 - December 23, 2025
Janice Rae Neumann Sonday, age 88 of Richfield, MN, went to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on December 23, 2025. Jan was born in New Ulm, Minnesota to Ray and Alice Neumann. She moved to Glenwood, Minnesota in 1938 and returned to New Ulm in 1941. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and confirmed in 1951 at Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church. She went to the New Ulm public schools and graduated in 1955: Jan attended Mankato State Teachers College in 1958. In 1958 Jan married Warren Sonday, her high school sweetheart.
Jan was a woman with passion. She had a passion to make a positive difference in the lives of others. She taught school in St. Peter and in Richfield. Jan went back to school at Hamline University and received a degree to teach English Second Language students. She continued teaching and substitute teaching in Richfield until 2017.
Jan was a woman of giving. She was active in Loaves and Fishes, LWML, and Families Moving Forward at Berea Lutheran Church. Jan was active in the Lady Bug chapter of Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.
Above all, Jan treasured her family and her friends, and the time she got to spend with them. Her greatest joy was being a loving mother, grandma, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Neumann, and her mother Alice Anderson Neumann; brother-in-law, Ralph Sonday; and niece, Barbara Sonday.
Those left to honor her memory include her loving husband, Warren Sonday; children, Tim Sonday (Amy Smith), Deb (Mark) Davidson, Susie (Chuck) Carr, and Kathy (Mark) Montang; grandkids, Dan (Kaitlin), Matt (Megan), Paul (Danielle), Jenn (Cameron), Christine (Reid), Brooke (Duane), Jacqueline (Justin), Spencer (Anna), Scott (Jess), Charlie, Ella, Molly, and JT; great-grandkids, Luke, Emilie, Ivy, Piper, Ryder, Parker, Briggs, Ryan, Blake, Brooklyn, Elliette, Evelyn, Hayden, Bennett, Mark, Hilde, and Collins; and sister-in-law, Arlene Sonday, as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Jan at Berea Lutheran Church in Richfield on Saturday, January 10th at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.
An interment will take place at a later date in New Ulm, MN.
Memorial Gifts are to be made to either Berea Lutheran Church or Caretenders Hospice.
Memorial Service
Saturday, January 10, 2026
11:00 AM
Visitation 1-hr prior to service.
Berea Lutheran Church
7538 Emerson Ave S
Richfield, MN 55423
I was honored to spend special moments with Jan during our family weddings and events. She was so kind, loving, and had a beautiful smile and tender voice. Your beautiful spirit lives – experience your spirit through my wonderful Daughter-in-law Brooke and her children. Rest in Peace sweet Jan. May God shower you, Warren, and family with special blessings. Sending love to all! Love, always! Minna and Billy LeVine
I see your legacy continue through your daughter, grandchildren and your great grandchildren in particular from my perspective Brooke, Blake, Elliette , Hayden, and not forgotten Debbie . Four-Five treasures of your legacy. You have clearly passed on the gifts of faith, family and strength may rest in peace, and I pray that you have a conversation with our savior. God bless.
Mrs.Janice Sonday , you were the best, had such a beautiful soul, a heart of gold with an unforgettable smile. my pretty lady is what I called you. I will miss you so much. We spent so much time together and it was the best time ever. We laughed, prayed together , cried together and watched our favorite show “ little House on the Prairie” May God continue to cover your family and keep them safe. You will forever have a place in my heart. And I will forever be thinking of you.
I was so honored to get to know and befriend Jan this past year. I loved and adored her and will always cherish the time that I got to be with her. She shined so much light on me and clearly everyone else she came in contact with. She loved her family fiercely and was so blessed to have so many who adored her. The way she would light up listening to a card, a poem, a story about them. I already miss our weekly visits and will forever be better from the resilience and kindness she showed me. Jan was a gift. Sending prayers to look over Warren, her children, and all her nearest and dearest.
The family of Ken & Gladys Brueske send sincere sympathies to Warren and the family. Growing up, to hear “Warny and Jan” always meant smiles and warm memories for the folks, and we’re sure Dad met Jan in Heaven with the biggest hug! Sending love and hugs to Warren. God be with you.
Debbie & Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. Your mom was really special. Always sweet and kind and loving — as are all of you. Stay warm in the loving memories. Peace to you all.