Sonora Helen Golden was born on December 15, 1928 at Montevideo, Minnesota, the daughter of Samuel P. and Helma (Siverhus) Mills. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway on March 29, 1942. She graduated from Holloway High School in 1945. On October 12, 1946 Sonora was united in marriage to John Behrens Sr. The couple was blessed with four children: John Jr., Jim, Jerome (Jerry), and Janelle. In 1971 Sonora was re-married to Harlan Golden. Sonora was a homemaker with many skills and hobbies. She loved to remodel and re-decorate her home. She was also an expert gardener and greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors working with her plants and flowers. Sonora was an excellent cook and was famous for her one inch thick baked pork chops and her White Christmas pie. She loved to do ceramics and she made many beautiful pieces for herself and her family. Sonora was always known to be singing a tune while working and enjoying her hobbies. She liked to take long walks in the country, to go dancing, to read, and to go bowling. She had a great sense of humor. Sonora served as President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Above all, Sonora was very proud of her children and her grandchildren and of their accomplishments.Sonora was called from this life on April 26, 2012 at Appleton Area Health Services -Nursing Home. She had attained the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 11 days. Sonora is survived by her children, John Jr. (Linda) Behrens of Mankato, Jim (Julie) Behrens of Mandan, ND, Jerry (Karen) Behrens of Zimmerman, Janelle (Jim) Hartman of Milbank, SD and two step-sons Craig Golden Sr. and Doug Golden; grandchildren: Jen (Darren) Behrens Blue, Katie Behrens, Angie Behrens, Nicole Behrens, Nicholas Behrens, Matthew Behrens, Joshua Behrens, Travis Rens, Tanna Rens, Reed Hartman, Taylor Hartman, and Carter Hartman; siblings: Glen ( Blanche) Mills of Great Falls, MT, Darold ( Marjorie) Mills of Benson, Dennis ( Maria) Mills of Mercede, CA, Jimmy ( Mary Jo) Mills of Indianapolis, IN, Maxine ( Guy) Short of Tucson, AZ, and Sandee ( Jim) Tyler of Chippewa Falls, WI; and several other relatives.Preceding her in death were her Parents Samuel and Helma; Step-father Elmer Anderson; Husband Harlan Golden; Brothers: Marion, Donald, and Vernon Mills; and Grandson Jacob Behrens.
