Sonja Marie Furchner, age 84, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2023, at home in Lawrenceville, GA, following her battle with MDS.

Sonja was born on October 8, 1938, in Clark, South Dakota to Minert and Iola (Seim) Doyen.  She graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1956.  Following high school, Sonja attended cosmetology school and started her first job at Vermillion Beauty Shop.

On April 10, 1958, Sonja married Thomas Furchner in Willow Lake, SD. The two enjoyed many homes throughout several stops in Tom’s career including Missouri, Illinois, Virginia, and Georgia.

Sonja was a loving mother to three daughters…   

Sonja enjoyed traveling with her husband visiting all 50 states, and multiple European and Central America countries.

Sonja enjoyed a 10 year career at Mori Luggage & Gifts.

Her interests included gardening, sewing, Nascar, her beloved Atlanta Braves, and most of all shopping! The apples of her eye were her grandchildren!  They will forever cherish their memories of Gma!

Sonja is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, brother Donald Doyen (Ruth), her three daughters Machel Marie Forney (Dave), Melinda Ann Grimac (Kevin), and Melanie Lynn Howard (Scott), grandchildren Zachary Grimac (Marieke), Carson Grimac, Quinn Howard, and Tate Howard.  Extended family Mitch Forney (Heidi and Elizabeth), Hayley Tomlinson (Josh), Courtney Wells (Ryan), Cooper Doyen, and Jackson Doyen, along with several nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest brother David Doyen (Jean).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation (mds-foundation.org).  A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Georgia Cremation in Duluth is assisting the family with arrangements.