Bonnie Ilene Elseth (88) passed away on Monday, February 4, 2019. Bonnie was born, along with her twin sister Nona, on May 21, 1930 to Ray and Hannah Merdink in Stephen, Minnesota. She graduated high school in Stephen and went on to teacher’s college in Bemidji, MN. After teaching in Albert Lea, MN, she and Nona moved to California. Bonnie married Robert Strack in 1953. They had two children, Jeff and Debbie. After Bonnie’s return to Stephen, she married Orville Elseth in 1963. They resided in Newfolden, MN and had one daughter, Susan. Bonnie and Orville settled in Oconto Falls, WI in 1971. Bonnie worked at the local hospital as a nurse’s aide and as a ward clerk until retirement. She was active at Grace Lutheran church in many capacities but most notably she loved to sing in the choir. Bonnie and Orv enjoyed traveling, attending concerts and plays, and spending time with family. After Orville’s death in 2005, Bonnie moved to Prior Lake, MN to be closer to family. Bonnie is preceded in death by husband, Orville; mother and father, Ray and Hannah; brothers, Allan, Bert and Bill; sisters, Joyce, Lois and Nona. She is survived by her children Jeff (Janet) Elseth of Grants Pass OR, Debra Trudell of Edina, MN; and Sue (Bill) Leibnitz of Prior Lake, MN; grandchildren, Ian (Christina), Sean, Rose, Brianna and Erik; great- grandchildren, Olive and Ivy; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Bethania Church in Newfolden, MN this summer, date yet to be determined. |