PORTAGE / MCFARLAND / MADISON - Sonja Marlene Moe, age 85, of Portage, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on November 3, 1940, in Black River Falls, Wis., the youngest of five children to Arthur and Myrtle (Johnson) Gower.

Sonja grew up in Merrimac, Wis., and graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1959. During her high school years, she was active in many clubs and activities, including choirs, pep club, and yearbook. After moving to Madison, she met her neighbor, Donald Moe, and the two were united in marriage on June 5, 1965, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. She continued her education at UW-Madison and Madison Area Technical College.

She and Donald lived their years together in Madison, McFarland, and Portage. Sonja worked as an administrative assistant for the State of Wisconsin for many years, retiring in 2006.

Sonja loved baking, and her zucchini bread and pumpkin pies quickly became treasured family favorites. She found joy in planting flowers, tending her garden and walking her dogs. She had a special place in her heart for animals-especially the birds that visited her feeders and the stray cats she welcomed with food, shelter, and warmth during the winter months. Her beloved cat, Scooby, remained faithfully by her side until the end.

Sonja cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and took great pride in attending her grandchildren’s events and activities. She was a steady source of support, kindness and love. Sonja expressed her artistic talents through making ceramics. She was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church for many years.

Sonja is survived her children, Eric (Teri), Edward, Christine (Steve) and John (Julie); grandchildren, Ryan (Brittany), Allie (Alex), Lizzie, Taylor, Madison, Lily, Carrie (Liam), Courtney (Levi), Jacob (Becca) and Caleb; great-grandchildren, Henry, Holden, Sam and Nate; and sister, Donna Squires. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones. Sonja was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; parents; and brothers, Wayne, Dennis and Armond (Donna).

A funeral service will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main St., DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, followed by a luncheon at church. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park on a future date.

Memorials may be made to any Humane Society of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Sonja Marlene Moe

November 03, 1940 - December 14, 2025

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