I was visiting the Rassbach Museum recently when I happened to see a familiar face. Being the shy person I am (!), I walked right up to this smiling young woman and asked if she would be willing to be interviewed for this column. And that’s how this week’s story was born….
Sofi Nelson Doane, a former student of mine, is the Rassbach Museum Manager. It’s the perfect job for her. As you read further, you’ll see how history—and Menomonie history in particular—has been a focus of much of her adult life.
Like all the subjects of this column, Sofi is a graduate of Menomonie High School. Remembering her life there, she listed her favorite teachers as Jim Poulter (psychology and sociology) and Dave Maves (social studies). Sofi built a special relationship with Mr. Maves when they wound up on The Old Settlers Board together from 2015-2020. Another memorable teacher was Mike Soha (science), enjoying his creative lessons as well as his unique sense of humor.
During her senior year of high school, Sofi found the courage to ask classmate Brad Doane out on a date. It must have been a pretty wonderful one, since they have been married for thirty-one years!
After graduating, Sofi attended CVTC, completing its Early Childhood Education program. She became a teacher’s aide and worked in a daycare center in the Menomonie area for a few years before moving on.
Sofi began working in both the video and floral departments at Doug’s Superfair Foods in North Menomonie; the market was owned by her family. From 1998 – 2008 Sofi was a stay-at-home mom. During that time, she also worked part-time as the area rep for Hallmark and American Greetings companies.
But it wasn’t until 2009 that Sofi discovered where she was meant to be. She answered an ad for the position of tour guide at the Rassbach Museum and served in that capacity from 2009 – 2015. Since then, she has served as the Museum Manager of the facility. Here is where Sofi really hit her stride!
Sofi is extremely close to her family and is proud of her rich heritage in the Menomonie area. Her descendants came to Dunn County in the 1870s and have been here ever since. Her great-great-great grandparents settled in Dunn County in the 1870’s, leading the way to setting down new roots. Her other great-great-great grandfather worked for the Knapp-Stout Company until it closed. He then worked for the Hydraulic Brick Company for thirty years. Both of her great-great-great-great grandparents immigrated to the U.S. when they were sixteen years old. Her Norwegian roots run deep.
When she took “The History of Dunn County and Menomonie” class at MHS, it never really caught her attention. But, according to Sofi, “today Dunn County history is so interesting to me. Every day is something new. I’m always finding out something I never knew before about the area—through research, talking with visitors to the museum, or by just pure luck!”
Sofi is also co-founder of the nonprofit The Friends of Potters Field.
Sofi’s hobbies outside of work also show her love of all things historical: genealogy, a “Trinket Trader” she maintains near the street in front of her house, being a member of a worldwide postcard pen pal group, and a pressed penny exchange group. This busy woman also collects “hair art” and is into taxidermy.
She and Brad enjoy going on many ghost-hunting adventures! Sofi has some very interesting stories to tell.
The couple has three daughters—Hannah, Emily, and Kate. The “empty nesters” continue to be family-oriented. They love having all their girls, along with one fiancé and two boyfriends, for family get-togethers once or twice a month. Sofi’s brother Dustin and his young son Boone always join the group as well. As Sofi exclaims, “I LOVE these days!”
And I loved getting to learn more about Sofi Nelson Doane and her busy life. An MHS graduate who treasures her roots.
Judy Foust is a retired longtime 7th Grade Reading Specialist at Menomonie Middle School. To submit info to her or to request an interview she may be contacted at [email protected]
