On Dec. 20, 2024, Sonja Pluess of Edgerton, WI passed away peacefully at Cedar Crest Health Center in Janesville, WI. She was born on April 15, 1935, to Alton Maurice and Dorothy (Decker) Hagen, and was later adopted by Dr. Thomas and Elsie Pluess.
Sonja’s schooling included Edgerton High School, a bachelor’s degree from Beloit College where she was a Tallman Scholar and a master’s degree from Western State College, CO. Sonja was a music teacher and band director in Durand, IL, Gunnison, CO and Fort Morgan, CO. She was a substitute teacher for 20 years in Edgerton, WI. She loved music and played many instruments. She loved and touched many people in the bands she played in including the Palmyra Eagle Community Band, First Brigade Band of Wisconsin and Blessed Band. She was also involved as an adjudicator for band contests and had membership in many professional organizations. The highlight of her career was being recognized by the Al and Gladys Wright Award from the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) — an organization she was highly involved in since 1974.
Sonja was an incredible woman who, in 1970, built an original log cabin (no nails) in Canada, where she spent her summers fishing and loving the outdoors. She loved her poodles including Lucy, who survives her. Sonja is survived by her sister, Judy Todd of Kennewick, WA and her sister-in-law Bethel Hagen of Sioux Falls, SD along with several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, siblings, Dr. Bruce Hagen, Dr. David (Lois) Hagen, Doris (Norbert) Hoff, Alton (Lois) Hagen and Barbara (Berwyn) Gunderson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sonja’s name to Hope Lutheran Church of Milton, WI or Valley of the Kings of Sharon, WI. Special thanks to her beloved niece, Gayle Lovejoy, neighbors George and Chris Wellenkotter, friends Kathy Klein and Wayne Craig.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church in Milton, WI. Pastor John Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Jan. 7, at the church. Private interment will be at Milton Lawns Memorial Park in Janesville.
