Sonja K. Dahl

Sonja Katherine Dahl, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Chili on Thursday, May 21. Her loving spirit lives on through her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sonja was born on November 29th, 1938, to Carsten and Doris Lovstad in Westby, WI. When she was a young child, her family moved to Christy, WI where they farmed and enjoyed life.  Mom often talked about her memories of growing up on the farm. She would point out the place that she grew up at if we were out for a drive and remembered those days fondly.   Later her family moved to Chili where she attended school, met her husband Ronnie Selk, who died in 1992, raised her four children and welcomed six grandsons.

In 1995 Sonja married Byrl Dahl. Together they spent a few years in Gillette, Wyoming before returning to Chili. Sonja and Byrl shared many travels—to Alaska, Hawaii, and Arizona—treasuring time with family and friends and making new memories along the way.

Sonja loved tending her flower beds, decorating her home, and serving her community and her church, Christ Lutheran Church in Chili. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Green Bay Packers and never missed cheering at her grandsons’ sporting events. Whatever motorized vehicle was on the track, her grandsons could count on Grandma as their number-one fan—joyfully cheering them on and savoring the family time that racing brought.

Her kitchen was a place of comfort and tradition. Sonja was celebrated as the queen of Chicago Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies and kept her Norwegian heritage alive with lefse, krumkaker, sandbakkels, and rosettes—treats made with care and shared with love.

Sonja is lovingly survived by her husband, Byrl; her children Steve and Cheryl Selk, Sara Nickel, and Janet and Paul Wolf; grandsons Shawn (Brandi) Selk, Chad (Anna) Selk, Daniel (Bry) Nickel, Charlie Nickel, Thomas Selk, and Zachary Wolf; and great-grandchildren Chase, Aiden, Kinsley, Romey, Eve, Meyer, Valley, Jeffrey, Eilah, and Easton. She is also survived by stepdaughters Shelly (Dean) Roland, Vickie (Dean) Covin, and Heidi (Murray) Johnson and their children Kayla and Kelsy; her brother Rick (Ruth) Lovstad; and sisters- and brother-in-law Judy Lovstad, Karen Lovstad, and Bill Cliver.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ronnie; her son Jeff; her son-in-law Mark; and her brothers Ken and Karl and sister Christine.

Family and friends may gather to celebrate Sonja’s life on Wednesday, May 27 at Christ Lutheran Church in Chili. Visitation will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., with a meal to follow. A private burial for immediate family will take place at Yolo Cemetery after lunch.

Sonja’s life was one of faith, family, and simple pleasures—flowers, baking, treasured traditions, and the laughter of generations gathered together. She was the heart of our family—always cheering us on, caring for each of our dreams, and standing by us through every brave or wild idea. Her steady faith and endless love taught us how to be kinder and stronger. We love you, Mom, and we will miss you every day.

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