Doug Sonnicksen

Doug Sonnicksen, age 69 of Jordan, MN, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning on March 10, 2026.

Doug’s life will be honored with military honors provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard starting at 4 pm, followed by a celebration of life from 4-7 pm, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 First Street West, Jordan, MN. A private family interment will take place at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan, MN, later.

On June 12, 1956, in Winnebago, MN, Douglas Lee was born to Norman “Jack” and Carol (Miller) Sonnicksen. He and his siblings spent their early childhood years in Winnebago and later in Burnsville, MN, before settling down in Jordan. Doug graduated from Jordan High School in 1974.

In the summer of 1974, Doug joined the United States Air Force, where he was a fuel specialist stationed at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana. One of Doug’s fondest memories was fueling Air Force One.

Doug met and married Kelly Schneider. Settling in Carver, MN, they welcome two children, Cassie and Mike. After 26 years of marriage, Doug and Kelly parted ways, but remained lasting friends. Doug found love again, meeting Cindy McGovern in 2015 at the Jordan Heimatfest. Surrounded by family on December 28, 2025, they married at their home during a huge snowstorm.

Doug spent his career as a parts manager in the automotive industry. First starting at Wolf Motors in Jordan, he retired after 36 years from Apple Ford. Doug knew his craft and provided his customers with high standards of service.

Living a simple life, Doug spent his earlier years snowmobiling, which led him to a deep love of his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Over time, Doug enjoyed playing volleyball, bowling, and golf. Cindy was able to pass on her love for camping, where they shared many years forming lasting friendship at Fish Lake Campground. In the quiet moments, he enjoyed watching older TV shows and reminiscing about his childhood, enjoying cartoons. Doug liked woodworking, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and the college teams. His proudest accomplishment was being a grandpa to Ada and Ryan.

Forever loved, Doug will be forever missed by wife, Cindy; children, Cassie (Steve Frisinger) Sonnicksen, Mike Sonnicksen; grandchildren, Ada and Ryan; mother, Carol (Roger) Sorvari; siblings, Deb (Bruce) McKay, Randy (Paula) Sonnicksen, Brad Sonnicksen; Cindy's children, Bryan (Katlyn), Amy (Nic), Erin; father Jack's wife, Barb Klein; other loving relatives and devoted friends.

Greeting Doug home in Heaven is his father, Norman "Jack" Sonnicksen.