Having run the race, having kept the faith, Gloria Manseau Soneson, age 95, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, IL, passed into the presence of her Lord Jesus on Thursday, August 31, 2023.  She was born on June 7, 1928, in Chicago, IL to George & Susan Manseau.

Gloria grew up in Chicago, the youngest of four children. She worked in Chicago and attended Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) and Bethel College (St. Paul, MN) graduating from Bethel in 1954. It was there where she met her husband John Soneson, who graduated from Bethel Seminary at the same time.  They were married on September 25th, 1954.

She was a warm, loving, and devoted wife and mother to their three children, Steve, Sara, and Stuart.  As a pastor's wife, Gloria would minister alongside her husband, in the music ministry and fellowship groups, within churches affiliated with the Baptist General Conference (now Converge). Pastorates were in Sioux Falls, SD (3 years), Cedar Falls, IA (7 years), and in Jamestown, NY (17 years). John then became the Executive Minister for North and South Dakota, residing again in Sioux Falls, SD (13 years).  As the two of them traveled to churches within the Dakotas, they would sing together.  After he retired in 1993, they moved to Plymouth MN.  There they were able to lovingly care for their son, Stuart, with his many physical limitations. They moved to Windsor Park in 2012.

Gloria was a student of God's Word, reading through the Bible each year for many years.  She used what she gleaned and her life experiences to mentor younger women, as well as being a loyal friend to many.  She loved hymns and her children remember her at home, playing the piano and singing with her alto voice.  Gloria also loved exercise. She began with home exercises, then took up years of bicycling, then moved on to running (even consistently throughout SD & MN winters), and eventually to speed walking.  She is remembered as a walker, circling the entire Windsor property several times a day. Her early discipline, which became habit, is an example for her entire family.

She is survived by her two children: son, Stephen (Kathy) Soneson of Winfield, IL, and daughter, Sara Soneson of St. Anthony Village, MN; her three grandchildren, Kristen (Jason) Zeigler, Tim (Ashley) Soneson, and Alondra Soneson; and four great-grandchildren, John (Jack) Soneson, River Soneson, Hailey Zeigler, and Jaden Zeigler. Also survived by many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Dr. John G. Soneson; her son Stuart Soneson; her two brothers Howard (the late Harriet) Manseau and Edgar (the late Ida Mae) Manseau; and her sister Dorothy (the late Robert) Reimer.

A Memorial Service will be held at Windsor Park, 124 Windsor Park Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188, on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.  There will be a short time to visit with family after the service.  Interment is at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Expeditions Unlimited Adventure Center , E11844 County Rd DL Baraboo WI, 53913 or to the Windsor Park Benevolence Fund .

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.