Lawrence, Sonja Braeutigam

Longtime Alaska resident Sonja Pichler Lawrence (Braeutigam), 
86, died June 19, 2010, with her loved ones beside her, at 
Alaska Regional in Anchorage, after a short illness.

At her request, there will be no service but a celebration of life 
will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at her daughter's home.

Sonja Lawrence was born in her mother's family home, April 7, 
1924, in Niederbeuna, Germany, to Joe and Frieda Pichler. In 
1926, Mrs. Lawrence immigrated from Germany to New York 
with her parents.

In 1948, Sonja, her husband, Arthur Braeutigam Sr. and young 
son followed Joe, Frieda, and her brother, Norm Pichler, to the 
homestead at Goat Creek near Palmer, where the family raised 
three sons and a daughter. In 1958, she and her family again 
followed her parents and brother to the "big city" of 
Anchorage, where she lived the remainder of her life. In 1986, 
Mrs. Lawrence wed Cliff Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence died later that 
year, but she wore her wedding ring the remainder of her life.

Mrs. Lawrence worked for the Army Corps of Engineers on 
Elmendorf and for the U.S. Department of Commerce in 
Anchorage for more than 30 years until her retirement in 1994. 
Mrs. Lawrence was a member of the Women of the Moose, the 
American Legion and the Pioneers of Alaska.

She enjoyed knitting, cooking, cribbage, bingo and 
shuffleboard. She was a crossword puzzle expert, an avid 
science fiction buff and a devoted fan of "Wheel of Fortune," 
"Jeopardy" and "Dancing with the Stars." 

But her favorite pastime was time spent with family and 
friends, especially at her cabin in the woods. She loved her 
children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. 

Her family wrote: "Our mom saw the world through rose-
colored glasses and saw only the good in people. Her quick 
wit and gentle demeanor will be greatly missed by her family 
and friends."

Sonja Lawrence is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, 
Arthur and Tasa Braeutigam; her son and daughter-in-law, 
Norman and Sheila Braeutigam; her daughter and son-in-law, 
Eric and Sonja Hestnes; the next generation: grandson and 
wife, Charles and Pam Braeutigam, grandson, Tony Braeutigam, 
who was her companion for many years, grandson and wife, 
Jason and Mandy Love, grandson, Brian Braeutigam and his 
fiancee, Shannon Fitzgerald, and granddaughter and husband, 
Teresa and Anthony Bolido; six great-grandchildren, and 
looking forward to No. 7 in September; and nephews, Ron, 
Kirk and Joseph Pichler and their families.

Sonja Lawrence was preceded in death by her husband, Cliff 
Lawrence; her third son, Russell Braeutigam; and her brother, 
Norm Pichler.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Alaska Regional Hospital 
for their excellent care and attention during the brief illness.

Published in adn.com from June 25 to June 26, 2010