Sondra (Merkley) Taubert

Sondra (Merkley) Taubert, age 84, of Harmony, Minn., passed away peacefully Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Harmony Care Center after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, commitment, and quiet strength that touched those who knew her.

Sondra was born April 1, 1941, in Pipestone, Minn., the daughter of Erwin and Leona Merkley. She attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1959.

On August 25, 1961, Sondra married James Taubert at First Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minn. The couple began their life together in Winona, Minn., and moved to Harmony in 1963, where they built a home and a life filled with love. Together, they raised four children: Kim, Scott, Stacy and Peggy.

Throughout her life, Sondra held a variety of roles that reflected her hardworking and community-oriented spirit. She worked for Harmony Area Schools, assisted Jim at the Harmony Golf Course, and also worked at Gene’s Farm Center and the Harmony Vet Clinic. Sondra volunteered her time to numerous organizations the Bloodmobile, the Hospital Auxiliary Board, and Meals on Wheels to name just a few. A woman of deep faith and service, she was a dedicated member of Greenfield Lutheran Church, where she served as treasurer, sang in the church choir, and was a part of Miriam Circle and the Quilting Group.

Sondra’s family and friends will remember her not only for her encouraging words and thoughtful cards but for her loving presence and actions. She was always there, cheering at sporting events, applauding at music concerts, or simply offering a warm hug. Her unwavering support and genuine interest in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives made her a treasured presence in their everyday moments and milestones.

In her quieter moments, Sondra found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved sewing and was known for her beautiful handwork. Sondra enjoyed her seasonal flowers and decorating for every holiday. She took pleasure in playing cards with friends and family, where laughter always came easily. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting on the porch, taking in the day, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and visiting with neighbors and loved ones.

She lived with grace and purpose, leaving an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Sondra is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim; daughter Kim Dingmann (Judd) of Owatonna, Minn., son Scott Taubert (Jaylene) of Bloomington, Ill., daughter Stacy Oldfield (Rod) of Modesto, Calif., daughter Peggy Graefen (Jim) of Plainfield, Ill.; grandchildren: Christa Taubert (Lance Koss), Kasey Dingmann, Alizabeth Taubert (Matt Young), Joe Dingmann, Kelsey Gingrich (Ryan), Erin Graefen and Colin Graefen; great-grandchildren Adelaide and Holland Taubert and  Koss and Lincoln Gingrich, honorary grandchildren Bill, Carrie and James Stevens, siblings Dick Merkley (Linn) of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., and Roger Merkley of Denver, Colo.; brother-in-law Marlin Taubert (Doreen) of Pipestone, Minn., and many nieces and nephews.

Sondra was preceded in death by her parents Erwin and Leona Merkley, her in-laws George and Dorothy Taubert, a sister, Tommye Kay Mueller; and a brother, Robert Merkley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Greenfield Lutheran Church Quilting Group, Greenfield Cemetery Board or a local charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Friday, October 10 at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Harmony, Minn., from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minn., at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be at the Greenfield Cemetery immediately following the Saturday funeral service.