Sonja Marie Wuerffel

Sonja Marie Wuerffel went to be with Jesus from her home in Waxhaw, NC on July 30, 2018 following a 5 month battle with aggressive brain cancer. She was 64 years old. Sonja was born on June 3, 1954 into the farming community of Breckenridge, MN. Her parents were August and Arda Stuehrenberg. She was third born and the only daughter. She and Mark met at Concordia University in St Paul, MN in 1972. They were engaged July 25, 1973, and married June 22, 1974. After they married they lived in Wisconsin Rapids, WI where their first three children were born. Sonja graduated from UWSP with a degree in Education specializing in Home Economics in 1976. In 1988 Sonja and her family followed God’s call to missions and moved to Elizabethton, TN where Mark began flight training for mission aviation. Two more children were added to the family during their time in TN. In 1990 Sonja and her family joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and moved to Waxhaw, NC to continue preparations for overseas missions. Their 6th child was born in Waxhaw. In 1993 Mark and Sonja moved to Papua New Guinea (PNG) with their 6 children and spent the following 14 years there serving Bible Translation through aviation. Sonja was a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled their children, but she also found time to serve the community through her warm hospitality. Many were welcomed to the Wuerffel home for meals and fellowship. Sonja also encouraged many of other missionary women one-on-one through her ministry of prayer and encouragement. Mark and Sonja’s 7th and 8th children were born while they were in PNG. In 2007 the family moved back to Waxhaw, NC to continue serving Wycliffe through aviation in a training capacity at JAARS. Sonja continued to homeschool and also poured into their local church and community. She continued to serve all those she met with the love of God through hospitality, Bible Studies, and lending her ever-listening ear to those who needed encouragement. Sonja was a prayer warrior. She spent much time daily in prayer. She ministered to countless people through this service and never grew weary in petitioning the Father for His answers. Sonja is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Mark; their children: Karie (Jeremiah) Pitts, Philip (Kelli), Josiah (Haley), Bethany, Katie (Ross) Holdeman, Nathan (Abby), Andrew, and Isaac; 9 grandchildren; Her older brothers, Darrell (Linda) Stuehrenberg, Duane (Bonnie) Stuehrenberg, and younger brother Vance (Mary) Stuehrenberg, and countless other family members and loved ones. A visitation will be held Thursday, Aug 2 at Gordon Funeral Home in Monroe, NC from 6-8pm. A memorial service will take place Friday, Aug 3 at 3pm at JAARS in Waxhaw, NC. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life God gave Sonja. Honorary gifts can be sent to Voice of the Martyrs (1815 SE Bison Rd Bartlesville, OK 74006).