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| Bonnie Broekemeier, 80 |
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| Written by TRF Times |
 Thief River Falls - Bonnie Broekemeier, 80, of Thief River Falls, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011 at her residence.Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Aaron Zuch officiating. Casket bearers included grandchildren: Sadie Broekemeier, Trent Nelson, Teagan Nelson, James Broekemeier and Marvin Koop, and Marv Kading. Interment was held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Bonnie Jean Slack was born on January 28, 1931 in Plainville, Neb., the daughter of Jack and Hazel (Collins) Slack. She lived and grew up in rural McLean, Neb., and started school in a one room schoolhouse where she rode her horse, Prince, to school. Bonnie graduated from McLean High School as class valedictorian. Bonnie did not have any problem getting a date for the prom because she was the only girl in her class. Following graduation, Bonnie attended Business College in Norfolk, Neb. and graduated as a legal stenographer. On Sept. 18, 1951 Bonnie was united in marriage to Donald Broekemeier in Osmond, Neb. The couple moved to Ft. Smith, Ark., where Donald was serving in the United States Army and Bonnie worked as a legal stenographer. The couple moved to Vancouver, Wash., where she worked in the same capacity for a chemical company while Don was stationed overseas. They moved to Nebraska City, Neb., where she worked as a secretary. They lived many years in the Moorhead area, and in 1978, the couple relocated to Thief River Falls where they continued to reside. While living in Thief River Falls, Bonnie worked at Pennington County Social Service as a financial aid officer, retiring in 1996. Bonnie was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, where she was very active. She did not like retirement, so she worked at the Cornerstone Christian School in Thief River Falls until 2005. Bonnie’s faith, family and friends were very important to her; her children and grandchildren were very special to her and she loved them dearly. Bonnie was considered a kind, consistent, loving and independent person. Bonnie and Donald enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and in Europe over their years. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and on a trip to Ireland, Bonnie kissed the Blarney Stone. Survivors include her son, Michael (Judy) Broekemeier of Mora; daughter, Penni (Clark) Nelson of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Sadie Broekemeier, Trent and Teagan Nelson; Ryan (Joyce) Collins of Vancouver, Wash.; her cherished friend, Elaine Wentzel of Thief River Falls; and other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, two sisters and one brother. A00003B2011SP28  |
