Sonksen died at a Manning hospital Saturday evening where he was taken nine days ago, following a fall at his home.

Born in Germany, he came to Manning in 1887, and farmed near here. He retired from the farm 47 years ago. His wife, the former Minne Steen of Manning, died in April 1961.

He is survived by four children: Mrs. Melinda Bornhoft and Joe Sonksen, both of Manning, Arnold Sonksen, Botna, and Walter Sonksen, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Carroll Daily Nonpareil, June 19, 1962

JOHN SONKSEN
Manning's oldest resident, John Sonksen, 92, died Saturday, June 16, 1962, at Manning General Hospital. He had fallen at his home nine days before.

Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor George B. Eschenbacher at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, at Zion Lutheran Church here, with burial in the Manning Cemetery.

The body is at the Ohde Funeral Home and will be taken to the church at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Mr. Sonksen was born February 22, 1870, in Germany, coming from there to Manning with his family in 1887. On February 18, 1903, he was married to Minnie Steen of Manning. They farmed near here and moved into town 47 years ago.

Mrs. Sonksen died in April 1951, and for the past 11 years he has made his home with a son, Joe Sonksen, in Manning. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and three brothers.

Surviving are four children: Mrs. Melinda Bornhoft, Manning, Arnold Sonksen, Botna; Joe Sonksen, Manning, and Walter Sonksen, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and four grandchildren. A nephew and niece, Herman Schmidt and Mrs. Velma Gunter, who were reared in the Sonksen home, also survive.
Carroll Daily Times Herald, June 18, 1962