Victoria “Vicky” Sonnek, age 101, of Wells, MN peacefully passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 23, 2026 at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, MN at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN and will continue one hour prior (10-11:00 am) to the mass at church. Father Joe Fogal will be officiating, and burial will follow mass at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon with the family will follow at Nasinec Event Center in Wells.
Victoria Jane was born November 29, 1924 on a farm northeast of Wells Minnesota. She became the second child and first daughter of Anna and Gregor Schultz. Over the next 17 years, ten more boys would be added to this family. Vicky was forever proud of her brothers and they loved her back. The boys often treated her like the second mother she much too often needed to be.
On September 16, 1945, she married the boy from two farm-yards over; Donald Sonnek. Vicky and Don settled in Wells. Raising three boys and two girls in a small house on 5th Street. Those children have raised their own children. The children’s children are now raising their own children.
If any of the above was ever in need of a prayer or words of encouragement; Mom, Grandma, Great-grandma, was the first call made. She would always assure the requesting person that everything was going to be alright, and a rosary was close at hand. She will be a difficult person to replace in those moments.
Eyes that twinkled, an exceptionally quick wit, and a charming personality kept everyone smiling through the final days of her life. By example she taught her offspring the importance of showing up. “Always show up” and never miss an opportunity to say thank you. What great lessons.
Victoria was preceded in death by her husband Donald; son-in-law Gary Robbins; brothers (and sisters-in-law) Felix (Jane), Leo (Ardean), Eugene, Alfred, Robert, Leroy (Margorie), Roger, Quentin, Lavern, and David (Sharon).
She is survived by her children Larry (Lorrie) of Red Wing, MN, Cheryl (Gary) Whitcomb of Mille Lacs, MN, Robert (Margaret) of North Oaks, MN, Dennis (Mary) of Mahtomedi, MN, and Karen Robbins of North Mankato, MN; thirteen grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren; two step-great-great grandchildren; brother Donald (Laura) of Berthoud, CO; sisters-in-law Bonita Schultz of Longmont, CO, Corrine Schultz of Albert Lea, MN, Marilyn Schultz of Wells, MN, and Frances Schultz of Loveland, CO; along with many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Thank you, God, for 101 years and thank you Mom for always being there.
The family wishes to express considerable appreciation to staff of The Shepherd’s Inn, Wells MN; Parkview Care Center, Wells MN; and Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato MN for the care and kindness given to our mother.
WOW 101 💖 ENJOY all those WONDERFUL MOMENTS & MEMORIES you all had. Thoughts & Prayers to Vicky’s Family. 🙏
So sorry to hear of Vicki’s passing. I took care of her at Parkview when I worked there. Vicki was always so sweet and we shared a few laughs. She was always smiling and had kind words. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel. How lucky you all were to have her for so long. God bless you all in this time of sorrow.
My deepest sympathy to family and friends on the loss of your loved one. Thoughts, hugs, prayers.
My fondest memory of aunt Vicky was when we were visiting MN and she invited us over for lunch. Always welcoming and an absolute delight to be around. This particular meal she has over salted the gravy and gave me an impromptu lesson on adding potatoes to soak up the extra salt. I loved how she included me and taught me in that tiny moment not to sweat the small stuff. She remains, always in my heart. Patti
Dear families, my deepest sympathies to you all. I just recently visited your mom at Parkview and saw her awesome decorated room with her life memorabilia and beautiful pictures. I reminded her how much I loved her house. She smiled proudly and asked me to come back. I still have your painted family tree above the workbench in the basement and the map of America in my laundry room. I guess what I am saying is, I will remember Victoria and your lovely family’s as long as I live here.
Blessings
What an amazing lady, aways kind and smiling. Prayers to all the family
She was a sweet lady . She was working in the activity department at Naeve Parkview when I worked there years ago. She was a hoot! Also a shirttail relative. One of a kind my sympathy to the family.
Larry and family,
Our deepest sympathy to your family in the passing of your Mom.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Sonnek family! Her eyes did twinkle…loved working with Vicki for many yrs at Parkview. Blessed be her memory
As an RN at Parkview I had the pleasure of getting to know Vicky well. No matter what, she always said “Thank you”. Her smile radiated her gift of love. Such a kind loving lady. She is now in heaven with God.
Karen and family’s so very sorry for the loss of your Mom she was the Sweetest Lady I miss visiting with her so sad but she also lived a great life RIP Vicky she sure is missed
Sharing Sincere Sympathy with the Sonnek family. It was my pleasure to have known her.
What a wonderful life and woman. Joan and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Sonnek families. I will miss the wonderful stories of “Miss Vicky” as told to me by Bob and Denny. She certainly will be missed, but never forgotten. Hopefully, her legacy of loving and caring for those around her will live on in all of us.
So many good memories of Vicky from Parkview,Shepard Inn,and church and a friend!
My sympathy to Cheryl and family. Sending prayers of
Comfort and peace to all🙏
The Sonnek family is a reflection of the heart and soul that Vicky poured into her family. May the legacy she leaves continue to influence many more generations to come. With deepest sympathy & prayers as she is missed, Vicki & Russell Sheaffer & Family
My Aunt and Uncle, Mary Ann (Neubauer) Weber and John Weber lived next door to Don and Vicky for many years. They were both disabled, John from severe injuries suffered as a solider in WWII and Mary Ann from a brain tumor and related surgeries in the 1950’s. Don and Vicky always went above and beyond as neighbors helping and looking out for them. Especially after John’s passing, Don and Vicky checked in with Mary Ann on a regular basis to make sure she was ok. Their kindness and empathy were models for us all, just good people!