Sonja "Toni" K Jossart

Sonja “Toni” Karen Jossart, 80, Bismarck, died on June 14, 2016, from the progression and complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 20, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 East Avenue C, Bismarck, with Rev. Jon Splichal Larson officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Sunday, June 19, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Toni was born on May 25, 1936, in Benson, MN. She is the daughter of Ben and Ethel (Troy) Johnson. She attended grade school through high school in Benson. She loved music and participated in band, chorus, Triple Trio, Girls Quartet, and Girls Sextet. She also participated in the Sr. Play, Jr. Play, Homecoming Committee and Royalty, Annual Staff, and Student Council. After graduating high school in 1954 she attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD and studied business. She married her high school sweetheart, James “Jim” Elroy Jossart on June 6, 1959. In 1964 they moved to Bismarck so Jim could begin his career as a pharmaceutical representative. They had two children, Brad and Sara. She enjoyed following their sports activities and music interests. Toni especially enjoyed the piano and a Lori Line CD could often be heard throughout her home. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and was involved in bible studies, choir, and taught Sunday School. She occasionally did clerical work during the ND Legislative Sessions. She worked with United Power Association in a clerical capacity after the children were grown and eventually retired from that position. Toni was an avid gardener and planted flowers every Spring. She and Jim loved to golf and cook together. Those who were close to her will fondly remember her famous cheesy beans, cinnamon twists, cookies, and apple pies made from the apples she handpicked every year. She found great joy in picking out gifts for her loved ones and especially giving her annual gift of pajamas to her grandchildren at Christmas, no matter what their age. She was very proud of all of her grandchildren’s academic and athletic accomplishments. She also developed many friendships over the years and enjoyed visiting with them as well as meeting new people Toni is survived by her son, Brad (Robin) of Bismarck; her daughter, Sara (Bill) Blaha of Verndale, MN; six grandchildren Brittany (Jordan) Wilhelm, Erika Jossart, Jordyn Jossart, Eric Blaha, Mitchell Blaha, and Katie Blaha; and one brother David (Bonnie) Johnson of Hugo, MN. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; brother, Bernie Johnson; and her parents.