Shonna Lynn Haugen passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 30, 2026, at the age of 56. She was born in Winner on Feb. 4, 1970, to Bill and Mary Dean Janklow.
Shonna lived a life full of music, adventure, creativity and a deep love of food and the outdoors.
She grew up in Pierre and graduated from high school in Brandon. In January 1998, Shonna married Bill Haugen in Hartford, and together they welcomed two children, Daniel and Emma. Their marriage later ended in divorce, but Bill played an important role in raising Daniel and Emma and remained a constant source of love, stability and support throughout their childhood and into adulthood. Shonna and Bill’s shared love for their children remained an important connection between them.
Music was always a part of Shonna's life. It was always present in her home, car or wherever she was working. She especially loved the Grateful Dead and Goose, and her collection of CDs might even have rivaled the one her father, Bill, had collected over the years, although of a far different genre. Music was something she enjoyed deeply, whether it was attending a concert or simply listening to Spotify in her backyard on a summer evening.
Shonna loved being outdoors. Hiking, camping and spending time in nature were some of her favorite things. She enjoyed the freedom of being outside and experiencing the beauty around her. She had an incredible connection with turtles and their spiritual symbolism of creation and energy from the earth.
Perhaps Shonna's greatest passion, however, was food.
Her culinary career began with making sandwiches at a deli in Colorado. She continued to develop her skills and her love of cooking throughout her career, spending many years working in the restaurant industry in Sioux Falls and forming lasting friendships along the way. She always appreciated her mentor, Chef Dominique Fontenille, from her time at Theo’s, who helped her grow into an amazing culinary professional.
Shonna had an extraordinary gift for cooking. She could taste something anywhere and then return home and recreate it, relying on her remarkable palate and natural understanding of food. She competed in cooking competitions and won several, but her greatest accomplishment was perhaps creating food that brought people together.
In time, Shonna followed her dream of owning a restaurant and opened Old Soul Cafe in July 2016. For two years, she created menu items that customers raved about, including her unforgettable cheesecakes, and catered events throughout the Sioux Falls area. Old Soul was a reflection of Shonna herself — a place where her love of food, creativity, hard work and desire to bring people together could come to life.
Above all, Shonna was a mother and a member of a family that loved her dearly. She is survived by her children, Daniel Haugen of Sioux Falls and Emma Haugen of Rapid City; her mother, Mary Dean Janklow; her brother, Russ Janklow, and his children, Lindsey Janklow, Will Janklow and Creighton Janklow, all of Sioux Falls; Lindsey's son, Russell; her sister, Pam Derheim (Randy) of Sioux Falls; her beloved dog, Misha; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Janklow; her grandparents, William and Martha Thom, Arthur Janklow and Lloyd and LouElla Nace; and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members.
Shonna leaves behind much more than a collection of recipes, CDs and memories. She leaves behind the people she loved, the food she created, the music she shared, the places she explored and the many lives she touched along the way.
Her time with us may have come to an end, but the music, memories and love she gave to others will continue to play in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
A private family service will be held to celebrate Shonna’s life. Those wishing to honor her memory may make a memorial gift to Feeding South Dakota or Avera Behavioral Health through the Avera Foundation.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact [email protected] to have your loved one remembered today.
