Bonnie L. Gatzke, age 77 of Prior Lake, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, March 17, 2017. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 from 4-7PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake. Funeral Service will be Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 11AM with a visitation 1-hour prior at Bloomington Lutheran Church, 9350 Portland Avenue S., Bloomington. Bonnie will be laid to rest next to her husband at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steven Brown, Josh Schuldt, Tyler Erickson, Steve Shetler, Mick Newcomb and Brady Brolsma. Honorary pallbearers will be Russell Newcomb and Bruce Jones. Pastor Scott Spaulding will preside.
In Little Falls, MN, on October 1, 1939, parents Herman and Luella (Pierce) Newcomb celebrated the birth of their daughter, Bonnie Luella Newcomb. She was the fifth of nine children. Growing up on the family farm, Bonnie learned the value of hard work. Often, she was given the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings.
Following her high school graduation, Bonnie moved to California to live with her older sister. She eventually returned to Minnesota to work as a receptionist at Harold Chevrolet. While at work Bonnie caught the eye of a young mechanic, Ramon Gatzke. The pair hit it off and soon realized their strong Lutheran faith made them even more compatible. On February 11, 1961, the couple exchanged wedding vows in Little Falls. They settled in Bloomington to raise their family.
Three things defined Bonnie’s life—her faith, family, and friends. Being a mother came naturally to Bonnie. At social gatherings, Bonnie’s amazing food was never in short supply. She was known for her chocolate chip cookies, lemon bars, pickles, and so much more. When the family moved to Prior Lake in the 90s, they continued to host family and friends especially on the boat. Bonnie was active in the Bloomington bowling league and enjoyed working banquets at the Crowne Plaza.
Bonnie’s kindness became most apparent when her daughter, Robin, passed away in 2002. She provided the support her family needed to endure such a difficult loss. Bonnie’s compassion and sincerity will be cherished by her children, Sherri (Pat) Brolsma, Staci (Joel) Evers; son-in-law, Craig Erickson; grandchildren, Leah (Steve) Shetler, Brittany Erickson, Tyler Erickson, Paige Brolsma, Brady Brolsma, great-granddaughter, Chloe Robin Shetler; siblings, Red Newcomb, Velda Brown, Shirley (Jack) Havrilak, Dick (Audrey) Newcomb, Jannie (Jack) Ebertowski; her four legged friends, Cricket and Bugsy; many nieces and nephews; other loving relatives and friends.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her husband, Ramon; daughter, Robin Erickson; parents, Herman and Luella Newcomb, siblings, Marie (Tom) Kachevas, Jim (Dorothy) Newcomb, Donnie (Karen) Newcomb; sister-in-law, Delores Newcomb, Janet Wakefield; brother-in-law, Kenny Brown; nieces, Joy Havrilak Lucas, Kris Wakefield; nephew, Lester Newcomb.
A very special thank you to Leah, Tyler, Jobie, and Chloe for all their love and moral support while caring for Bonnie.
The Gatzke family is proudly cared for by the staff of Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home & Cremation.
