Obituary: Sonya Marie Skoglund

Sonya Marie Skoglund, 54, of Cloquet and a proud member of the Fond du Lac Band, passed away March 30, 2024, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born Sept. 12, 1969, to Clara Northrup and Vernon Skoglund. Sonya grew up on Boulder Lake at the Silver Fox Lodge, where she enjoyed swimming, camping and playing pool in the bar, all while making lifelong friends. Sonya graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1987 and went on to earn two bachelor's degrees, one in psychology and communications and the other in teaching with a minor in Ojibwe language. She dedicated her career to teaching, inspiring countless students to learn and appreciate the language. Outside of work, Sonya was a dedicated mother and spent most of her time with her daughter while also continuing following her passion of playing pool. She was an impressively skilled player and her many victories included the 1998 Wisconsin 8-Ball Championship, the 2010 Minnesota Ladies AA State Singles 8-Ball Tournament, and numerous other major titles.

Things settled down for Sonya once her first grandchild, Kruz James Skoglund, was born. She helped raise him in the same household with her daughter Morgan. He truly meant everything to her, and he returned the favor, taking care of her up until the end. She loved hosting movie, dinner and game nights with her family, sharing her joy, warmth and competitive nature with those who loved her. She was a huge fan of the Food Network channel, Elvis Presley, "Wonder Woman", "The Golden Girls," and the notorious TV show "Friends," where we all can now relate to "the one where we all lost a friend." Sonya's favorite things reflected her enthusiasm for life and her adventurous spirit, which we will all miss dearly.

Sonya is survived by her beloved only daughter, Morgan Fritzinger (Nathan); her three grandchildren, Kruz, William and Vivienne; as well as her former partner, Rob Fritzinger. She is also survived by her father, Vernon Skoglund; stepmother, Kathy Skoglund; sister, Tabby Sullivan (Sully); brother, Shane Skoglund; her nephew, Justin Tesser; nieces, Breanne Tesser and Azaila Skoglund; great-nephews, Kaden Croud Sr. and Kobee Calvin; great-nieces, Koral Croud and Kiara Calvin; great-great-nephew, Kaden Croud Jr .; and many cousins, aunts and uncles. Sonya was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Skoglund; her grandmothers, Ida Skoglund (with whom she had the most special bond), Delores Ladzinski and Charlotte Northrup; grandfathers, Albin Skoglund, Jim Ladzinski and Sylvester Northrup; and many other pool players, who are all surely playing endless pool games as we read this. Sonya's love, passion and accomplishments will continue to inspire those who knew her, and her legacy will live on through her daughter, grandchildren and loved ones. The family thanks friends and family for their kindness and support, especially Tammy Anderson, Tina Proffit, Rob Fritzinger and the wonderful team at Essentia who lovingly cared for her.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service Wednesday, April 10 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. A traditional meal will follow the service at the Fond du Lac Language and Cultural Center, 1713 Mizhakii Road, Cloquet. To sign an online registry, visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.