John Sonstebo Sr.

John Sonstebo Sr., 91, of Wallace, passed away, peacefully at home with his family at his side on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Friday, November 8, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Wallace. Burial will be at Telemarken Cemetery near Wallace.

Visitation will be 7-9 pm Thursday, at the funeral home in Webster.

John Langdon Sonstebo was born on February 21, 1933, to Peder and Rosina “Rose” (Rooke) Sonstebo in Bradley, South Dakota. He attended school at Wallace and graduated from WHS in 1951. John went on to business college in Rapid City, where he played basketball. The farm kid helped the team get their first win in over five years. He left school and returned home to help on the family farm. John married Karen DeGroff on June 16, 1972, at Calvery Lutheran Church in Wallace. To this union came their two boys, John Jr. and Mike. The family made their home near Wallace. He continued to farm and in 1954, he and his father Peder, uncle Charlie, and cousin Fritz started a purebred angus business, now known as J&J Angus, owned and operated by “Big John” and “Little John”!

In his free time, John enjoyed all things outdoors such as fishing and hunting. John served on the Wallace Elevator board and was a part of the Angus Association. He also enjoyed showing his cattle in various places in North and South Dakota, where he won many awards. He served on the Telemarken Cemetery Board for many years. He played cards throughout his life and enjoyed Whist and Pinnacle among many other games he learned later in life. All his family could see that he adored and loved his grandchildren dearly. Above all else he had deep rooted love for the Lord. John was the Sunday school superintendent and church deacon for many years, he also taught Sunday school at Calvery Lutheran Church. One of his last wishes was that he asked that friends and family know that he continued to pray for the children of the world and that he read his bible daily. He hoped that all would come to know Christ personally.

John passed on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 91 years, 8 months and 13 days.

John is survived by his sons John (Autumn) Sonstebo and Mike (Aliesha) Sonstebo. His grandkids; Triston Leidholdt, Cale Reiner, John “TJ” III (which John Sr. took great pride in his naming after him), Hannah, and Caleb Sonstebo. His two sisters, Deb Kuecker and Arleen Hopf. His sisters in-law and brothers in-law and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Peder and Rosina, his wife Karen, cousin, Frederick “Fritz” Sonstebo.