Sonja has been a lifelong resident of the La Crosse, Wisconsin area and is a graduate of Holmen High School. While in high school, Sonja was selected to be a member of the Wisconsin State High School Honors Band playing trumpet and sat as first chair during her senior year. Sonja continued to play trumpet at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where she received her undergraduate degree in political science. Starting with her freshman year, Sonja was a member of the nationally renowned St. Olaf Band and toured throughout the United States with the band during her college years. Sonja also studied abroad during her years at St. Olaf College and was selected as a student to participate in the “Global Semester” study abroad program. Through that program, Sonja studied in Egypt, India, Taiwan, and Japan.

After college, Sonja attended the Hamline University School of Law where she received her juris doctorate degree. During law school, Sonja distinguished herself by receiving the American Jurisprudence Award in international law and through publication of a peer reviewed article in the Hamline Journal of Public Law and Policy. After law school, Sonja came back to the La Crosse area to engage in the private practice of law and raise a family. In 1994, Sonja became a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and has been a practicing attorney since that time. Sonja has developed a reputation as a competent and compassionate attorney practicing mainly in family law. She has been a partner with Huesmann Law Office, S.C. since 1999. She has two sons, Ryan age 11 and Trenton, age 8.



Sonja has demonstrated extensive commitment to the community through her involvement with many organizations including the Holmen Area Partnership for Youth, Holmen Lutheran Church, Policy Committee for the Holmen School Board, Junior Achievement instructor, La Crosse County Bar Association high school mock trial coordinator and sponsoring member of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. She has been on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse Board of Directors since 1999 and is a past president of the board. In 2009, Sonja received the “President’s Award” from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse and received the “Marty Stein Outstanding Board Volunteer” award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Wisconsin Area Council. Sonja has enjoyed her time being a part of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse and cherishes the memories and lifelong friendships she has gained through working with the Club’s staff and Board members.