Bonita Carpenter

MEMORIAL SERVICES : 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.VISITATION : 5-7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.INTERMENT : St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids.SURVIVORS : Her husband, Dick of Park Rapids; her daughters: Shelly (Greg) Erickson of Fargo, ND and Kristen (Lance) Allen of Jamestown, ND; her five precious grandchildren: Samuel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Cooper and Tucker; her sister, Sharon (Gary) Andersen of Park Rapids; her brother, Joe Rezac and sister-in-law, Barb Rezac of Brainerd. BONITA B. "Bonnie" CARPENTERJanuary 25, 1939 " March 5, 2013 Bonita Barbara "Bonnie" Carpenter, age 74, a lifelong Park Rapids, MN area resident, was set free from this world to live eternally in heaven. She passed away the evening of March 5th, 2013 in the comfort of her home where she was surrounded in love by her husband, daughters, sons-in-law, and all of her grandchildren. She fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Bonnie was born on January 25, 1939 to Frank and Julianna (Wald) Rezac in Bismarck, ND. As a young girl, she moved with her family to a farm on the Hubbard Prairie, south of Park Rapids. She attended Yaeger Country School, near her home farm and then went on to attend public school in Nevis from 6th-11th grades. Bonnie completed high school in Park Rapids where she proudly graduated with the Class of 1957. She went on to attend the Model Beauty School in Minneapolis where she studied Cosmetology. Following her graduation, Bonnie gained employment at the Radisson Finger Tip Beauty Salon where she enjoyed numerous clients. On October 6th, 1962, Bonnie was united in marriage to Richard J. "Dick" Carpenter at St. Peters Catholic Church in Park Rapids. This union was blessed with two daughters: Michele "Shelly" and Kristen "Kristie". In 1963, Bonnie and Dick returned to Park Rapids where she started the Bon Sheri Salon of Beauty. Bonnie successfully owned and operated her business for over 40 years. She enjoyed taking her employees to cosmetology conventions where they continued to learn the newest trends in their profession. She retired from the salon in 2003. Bonnie"s heart and soul were invested in the lives of her family and friends. She enjoyed building many precious memories with her husband, children, grandchildren and numerous friends. She had the gift of hospitality and loved to entertain. She relished the times spent with her family and friends at the cabin on Potato Lake and especially looked forward to the boating and adventures going up the river in Eagle and Island Lake. She also loved outdoor activities including downhill skiing and water skiing. Bonnie was an avid bowler and enjoyed being part of the Women"s Bowling League where she bowled for the Citizen"s National Bank and Preferred Property teams. Her energies extended out into the greater community where she was a life-long member at St. Peters Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Park Rapids Eagles Aerie #870 Auxiliary, Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 Auxiliary and the Park Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Bonnie was a Park Rapids Panther fan and enjoyed attending sporting events that her husband announced and the track meets that he coached. She loved to make candy with Dick and her peanut brittle was enjoyed by many. In retirement, Dick and Bonnie spent winters in Green Valley, AZ; enjoying time in the sun, going to the casino with friends and socializing. Above all, she will be remembered for her eternal optimism, her unconditional love for her family and the depth of her friendships. Bonnie truly taught us how to live and how to die. Bonnie will be lovingly remembered by her husband and soul mate for the past 50 years, Dick of Park Rapids; her daughters: Shelly (Greg) Erickson of Fargo, ND and Kristen (Lance) Allen of Jamestown, ND; her five precious grandchildren: Samuel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Cooper and Tucker; her sister, Sharon (Gary) Andersen of Park Rapids; her brother, Joe Rezac and sister-in-law, Barb Rezac of Brainerd as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Bonnie joins her mother, father and many other friends and family in heaven. Memorial Mass will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Tom Friedl officiating. The vocalist will be Bonnie"s daughter, Shelly Erickson and friends: Annette Haas and David "Lefty" Anderson. Reverend Roger Olson will give the eulogy. The urn bearers will be Bonnie"s grandchildren: Samuel Erickson, Elizabeth Allen, Sarah Erickson, Cooper Allen and Tucker Allen. The honorary bearers will be the Class of 1957. Interment will be made in St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Cemetery. A prayer service and time of memory sharing will be held from 5-7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 22nd, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by the church for all to attend.