Reverend Dr. John G. Soneson, age 89, a resident of Windsor Park, Carol Stream Illinois, went to be with the Lord on November 25th, 2017. He was born on August 24, 1928, in Forest City, Iowa to Nels and Mabel Soneson.

John grew up in Cook, Minnesota on a farm, the youngest of four children. He attended Bethel College (St. Paul, MN) and graduated from Bethel Seminary in 1954. He earned a doctorate from Sioux Falls Seminary (NAB) in 1984.

His career ministry was within churches affiliated with the Baptist General Conference (BGC) (now Converge) for over 51 years. He served as pastor in Sioux Falls, SD (3 years), Cedar Falls, IA (7 years), and in Jamestown, NY (17 yrs.). He then became the BGC Executive Minister for the district of North and South Dakota, residing again in Sioux Falls, SD (13 years). After retiring in 1993, he continued his ministry as a visitation pastor for the Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, MN (11 years). Along with the pastorates, he also ministered as chaplain for the SD Penitentiary in Sioux Falls and the Civil Air Patrol in Jamestown, NY.

John met his wife Gloria Manseau while he was attending Seminary and she was a student at Bethel College, and married on September 25, 1954. He was a devoted husband and father to his wife and three children, Steve, Sara and Stuart. Together as a family they were involved with the people within the churches as well as in the communities of the various churches that John pastored. John and Gloria also lovingly cared for their son, Stuart, with his many physical limitations, until his death in January of 2013.

In his free time, John loved anything to do with water, stemming from his childhood years spent in Northern Minnesota. He loved boating and swimming, the enjoyment of which he passed on to his children. He swam to keep in shape during his adult years, at the local YMCAs. While living in Jamestown and in Sioux Falls, he tallied more than 3,200 miles in the pools. He also enjoyed snow skiing, kayaking, and sailing. John was also a gifted musician. Piano and voice were his instruments, which he shared with many throughout his ministry. Traveling in Sweden for over six months, singing in a men's quartet from Bethel, was a highlight of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria of Carol Stream, and two children: son, Stephen (Kathy) Soneson of Winfield, IL, and daughter, Sara Soneson of St. Anthony Village, MN. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Kristen (Jason) Zeigler, Tim (Ashley) Soneson, and Alondra Soneson and three great-grandchildren, John (Jack) Soneson, River Soneson, and Hailey Zeigler. John was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and son Stuart.

A Memorial Service will be held at Windsor Park , Carol Stream, IL on Saturday, December 16th at 10:00 AM. Interment was private at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Expeditions Unlimited Adventure Center , E11844 County Rd. DL, Baraboo, WI 53913. Donations may be made online at: http://www.expeditionsunlimited.com/