Carla Jenson
December 21, 1966 ~ December 9, 2011
Carla Jenson, 44, of Fargo, passed away on December 9, at Sanford Health in Fargo.
Carla Dee Sonstelie was born to Arvid and Carol (Braaten) Sonstelie in Lima, Peru on December 21, 1966. Growing up Carla and her family moved around the county, spending time in Barstow, CA, Laurel, MD, and eventually came home to Moorhead, MN, in 1976. She grew up in Moorhead and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1984. She attended and graduated from Interstate Business College with a certificate in paralegal training. Carla then began working at Friendship Inc. followed by Russ Honda car dealership, and then PATH, North Dakota where she worked as an administrative assistant until the time of her death. She was united in marriage to Jay Jenson on June 11, 2000. The couple was blessed with the birth of their daughter Sarah on November 9, 2000. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Carla was very active member of The Lutheran Church of Christ the King in Moorhead.
Carla was a very positive and caring person with a bubbly personality, who had a warming effect on the people who knew her. She had a wonderful smile and a greeting for everyone and lit up a room whenever she walked in. She touched the hearts of many and leaves permanent memories behind with those that loved her.
Carla leaves behind the two most important people in her world, her husband Jay and daughter Sarah, of Fargo; she is also survived by her parents Arvid and Carol Sonstelie of Moorhead; Sisters Ann (Dale) Leuthard of Moorhead, Beth Daniel of Aitkin, MN; Brother Dean Sonstelie of Fargo; Mother and Father in law Dave and Carol Jenson of Fargo; many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
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There are no words to convey my sincere sympathy to Jay and Sarah and all of Carla’s family. She spoke of you all often and loved you all so much. I am so priviledged to have known Carla and I will so miss talking to her-she was always a bright spot in my day. She welcomed everyone into her heart with open arms and a bright smile. God truly does pick the choicest flowers first.
Carla was such a great friend and I’m going to miss her terribly. She was always there for all of her friends. It was truly awesome having her as part of our lives and we were truly blessed for that
Grand Forks ND
Carol & Arvid.
I am so sorry for your great loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you. May God give you peace.
Kay Kvasager
Fargo ND
I am a childhood friend of Carla’s sister, Ann. I couldn’t even begin to count the number of hours I spent at the Sonstelie house during my high school years. Their happy family was so much fun to be around and they always made me feel so welcome and loved. I have many fond memories of Carla, including a crazy road trip that she, I and Ann took to Wyoming to visit uncle Gary. We had so much fun. Just being around Carla put you in a good mood – and that smile of hers……I’ll never forget it. Although I had not seen Carla for many years, I will never forget her and my memories of her will always be special to me.
I am blessed to have been in her life.
Affectionately….your Carolina Moonshine.
Oslo NorwayWe are so sad to hear about the recent loss of Carla. We were fortuneate to meet her and Jay in September 2001 when we came across from Norway to meet third cousins in the USA (Arvid being one of them).
Life can seem to be very unjust when you lose your loved ones at such a young age. We remember Carla as a happy and lovely young lady. It must be hard for Jay, Sarah, Carol and Arvid and the rest of the family to continue life whithout Carla. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Jean and Tor Loken, Oslo
Bismarck ND
Carla was a vibrant lady! She entered a room with a smile on her face and soon the room was filled with laughter from her and others. I so enjoyed hearing Carla laugh as it appeared to me, as she laughed Carla glowed with fun and a spunky spirit.
Sincere sympathy to Jay, Sarah and all of Carla’s family/friends. Her loving and giving personality will be greatly missed. May the Lord comfort you today and always in the loss of Carla.
Lana Quam, PATH Office/Bismarck
Pillager MN
I had the privilege of Carla as a colleague for many years at PATH. For several of those years we would come together in St. Cloud for meetings and almost always end up at Olive Garden for lunch.
When Carla would walk into the room she would light it up with her smile and joyful personality. Family was so important to Carla. Her daughter was the apple of her eye and Carla’s eyes would light up just talking about her.
My husband and I were able to spend some time with Jay and Carla when we traveled to Las Vegas a couple years ago for a work conference. Carla was so excited to be going on a get away with Jay!
I am so sad to not have Carla’s vibrant personality here on earth anymore, but we couldn’t have a better angel looking out for us either. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this extremely difficult time.
Lorie and Troy Gratke
Bismarck ND
I am so sorry for your loss. Carla was a wonderful woman who had a bright smile and a positive attitude. I work in the Bismarck PATH office, so I only got to see her or talk to her from time to time. Those conversations were always comfortable and Carla always made me feel at ease. She spoke so lovingly about her daughter and my heart breaks for her precious little girl in the loss of her Mommy. My prayers are with her daughter and whole family at this time. God bless you all during this time of mourning and remembrance.
MOORHEAD MN
OUR THOUGHTS & prayers are with all of you GOD BLESS R
Fargo ND
I knew Carla from our college days in the mid 80’s. It has been 30 years since I’ve heard or seen of her. She was a unbelievable person and had made that part of my life the same, just by knowing her. My thoughts are with her and her family always. Just knowing that she is gone from this world leaves a big void. Love & Peace
Fosston MN
Arvid and Carol-
I was very sorry to hear of your loss. The Sonstelie family has always had a special place in my heart. I remember Carla as that cute little girl of yours!!
Her entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary (Olson) Steinbrenner
Fargo ND
Carla, I’m going to miss you so much. You were such a wonderful person, and I enjoyed getting to know you and work with you. I’m very blessed to have met you.
New Brighton MN
I worked with Carla from the PATH office in Minneapolis and so enjoyed her happy, outgoing personality. She truly was a wonderful asset to the PATH organization and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
moorhead mnOur thoughts and prayers are with you . Sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful lady.
Grand Forks ND
As I read all of the wonderful tributes about Carla I know we are all lucky to have had Carla in our lives. Carla was taken from all of us way too early! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We will miss you my dear cousin!
Jeanie, Tom & family
Fargo ND
My heart is broken over the loss of Carla! I worked five years with Carla at PATH and felt my life was blessed with her presence in my life! She was one of the most wonderful loving and caring persons, so positive and full of life! God took her from all of us too soon, but he got a wonderful angel! I am praying for her family that God will give them the strength to heal and go on in life! It will be very hard for them as they were such a close family! God bless all of them! And God, thanks, for bringing Carla into my life!
Hunter ND
Jay, Sarah and Sonstelie-Jenson Family,
We were shocked and numbed in disbelief of Carla’s passing. How could the person that kept us all in touch the last 25 years be gone? The only thing bigger than Carla’s laugh and smile is her heart and love for her family. I have no doubt she is saving a spot at the table for each one of you! May God Bless you all during this difficult time and cherish all the good times you have shared. Carla will be forevered missed and always in our hearts! Love, Steve, Connie, Kelsey and Brandon Lerew
Milnor ND
I had the privalege of working with Carla at PATH for 5 years. She was an amazing spirit. I am certain that there is a hole in the hearts of many.
Albuquerque, NMBeautiful little Carla, we cannot imagine what your family is going through.
I can picture her in the Barstow home as a toddler running around with that cute personality, beautiful eyes and smile.
Our prayers are with all you you. I am sure you will all hold her in your heart with your loving thoughts forever.
Jean and Bob
Tallahassee FLIt is times such as this that make it all the more difficult to live so far away from family.
There are no words that can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
May God give you courage and strength to keep you going through this tough time.
Jeff and Cathy Anderson
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Prayers and thoughts to the family of Carla Jenson. You have our deepest sympathies.
Park Rapids, MN
Dear Carla’s family and friends:
The days past come to mind real quick in memories and loving thoughts. Carla was one of those youth, confirmation students and active Sisters in Christ. As a pastor, wouldn’t it be delightful to serve a congreation full of Carlas . . Wow.
How untimely and yet what a great story she leaves. . . Thank God for Carla.
International Falls MN
I met Carla when she was fifteen years old. She was always a very bubbly and sweet person. I am forever grateful to have known her and will cherish my memories of her. She was one of the few people who understood my sence of humor~ she had that personality that everyone was just drawn to in an instant.
Thinking of you this day Miss Carla.
Carla was a special friend and co worker, a combinatin that doesn’t happen often. She taught us all how to be happy no matter what our circumstances and to enjoy every minute of life.
Without her the days will be a bit less bright, but oh how heaven must be glowing right now!!
Knoxville TNI am your Dads Aunt Doris and feel bad I didn’t get to know you as an adult.but we moved around so much being the Air Force an you folks also lived in many places.
remember you as a sweet little girl,Your family spent some time with us in Rapid City.God Bless.
Jay and Sarah,
Our hearts are broken for your incredible loss. We are keeping you in our prayers nightly asking God to give you the strength to get you through each day. I have to share with you that my last conversation with Carla was when she called with great concern for my missing brother. She truly was a wonderful person who cared deeply for others and I am so thankful for her caring phone call. She will be greatly missed and I agree she had an amazing smile!
Please know that we are here for you in any way we can help you get through this incredibly difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Paul and Jodi Kosienski and family
Horace ND
Carla, you will be greatly missed. Thanks for all the laughs we shared. To the family, so very sorry for your loss.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland
little falls new yorkAnn, Dale and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss, may you find strength and much needed faith today and in the future. May God carry you through this.
Fargo ND
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jenson and Sonstelie famlies at this time.
Arvid and Carol,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter.
Fargo ND
I have many good old memories of Carla. I am truly sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person. I will keep you and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers today and the days ahead.
Dilworth Minnesota
Russ and I are Carla’s Aunt and Uncle and I have known Carla almost since she was born, only because Lima, Peru, was a little distance from Nielsville, MN
.
While traveling to my brother’s wedding in Wyoming, Russ bought Carla a bumper sticker that he thought fit that Crazy Carla to a T. It was “Why be Normal?”
At this time, all that we know in Heaven are smiling, because Carla is making them smile, as she did all of us.
One more wonderful Carla story. In our first house in Dilworth, we hired a neighbor 6 year old to watch our house while we were gone, for a big dollar amount of a quarter a weekend. We came back on Sunday and asked if anyone was around this weekend. Matt answered, “Just your niece that we can hear all over.” That is and always be our Carla.
Russ’s and my hearts are heavy and empty our joyous niece.
Love and we will always have a hole.
Auntie Bonnie and Uncle Russ
WF ND
I am so sadded to hear of Carlas passing. Know that you have an beatuiful angel watching over you from above. May God’s peace surround you during this difficult time.
Carla always had a positive attitude and such a cheerful personality. I work in the Minot PATH office and Carla was my “go to person” if I had a question. She will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
LaMoure ND
I knew Karla from working at the PATH office. She was such a bubbly person and we both had a love for labs. I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news of Karla’s passing. She had just called me a couple of weeks ago to inquire about a lab for her dad. We had a few minutes to reconnect and talk one more time, for which I am grateful. She will be missed by many people. My sympathies to her family and friends.
Jamestown ND
I work for PATH in the Jamestown office and I will miss the way Carla had of putting everyone first, her great smile and love of life.
Please know that the family is in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you in your time of need with comfort at this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Carla’s family during these very tough days and rough times ahead while your grief becomes bearable and you can laugh and smile at the wonderful memories that sustain you.
I knew her briefly, in that short time could tell she was great woman.
Nortonville North Dakota
I will miss Carla and her smiling face. I work for PATH in Jamestown and have had many interactions with Carla over the years. Carla always greeted everyone with joy and was willing to do anything to help out. My prayers are with your family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Breckenridge MN
I was deeply saddened to hear of Carlas passing It has been many years since I have seen Carla – we were MHS classmates of 1984 but I will always remember her radiant smile and wonderful personality – My heartfelt sympathy to her family she was taken much to soon.
West Fargo ND
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Carla was a classmate of ours at Moorhead and there are many memories that we will cherish. It is so sad to see her go so soon.
We are so sorry for the loss of Carla. I have no words to say but to say we love you and are in our prayers and thoughts.
The loss of such a wonderful person doesn’t seem right. Our hearts go out to her family. We will be praying for you all to have strength and faith. May God be with you.
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. I will deeply miss your beautiful presence in this world.
I am so, so sorry for your loss! I first met Carla over 20 years ago when we worked together at Friendship. I then re-connected with her when I moved across the street from Dale and Ann. She always had a huge smile on her face and no matter how long it had been since I had seen her, she made it seem like just yesterday. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Carla will be missed by many!
Bismarck ND
My thoughts and prayers are with Carla’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time. When I starting working at PATH just two short years ago, Carla was so warm and welcoming. She was always happy to help no matter how busy she was. Her genuine caring and loving personality shined through and she will be sincerely missed.
Moorhead MN
Carla brought such joy to my life – she shared her love and family with me and she made the world a better place. The hole she leaves in my heart and in our universe is enormous. Watch over all of us now, my dear friend. We will meet again! I love you – Margie
Fargo North Dakota
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Carla’s smile and bubbly personality will be greatly missed. We always enjoyed her smile, friendly words given to us when we saw her at the Fargo Path Offices. To her sister Ann–know we are here for you and your family if you need anything at all. We will miss her dearly.
We are praying that you all will be shown Gods love during this hard time. Just know you all now have the following ” A very special Guardian Angel” watching over each and everyone of you. She is smiling down from Heaven on all of you.
She has touched so many lives while at Path, and we are eternally Thankful that we have had the chance to know her.
Carla–Rest in peace, your memory will live on forever.
Karen, Tracy, LeAnna Jo (JoJo) Friese
Bismarck ND
I am so sorry for your loss. Carla was a wonderful woman who had a bright smile and a positive attitude. I work in the Bismarck PATH office, so I only got to see her or talk to her from time to time. Those conversations were always comfortable and Carla always made me feel at ease. She spoke so lovingly about her daughter and my heart breaks for her precious little girl in the loss of her Mommy. My prayers are with her daughter and whole family at this time. God bless you all during this time of mourning and remembrance.