Bonnie Mae Johannessen

FUNERAL SERVICES: 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home VISITATION: one hour prior to services at the Funeral Home BONNIE MAE JOHANNESSEN May 4, 1936 " February 3, 2009Bonnie Johannessen, age 72, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Bertha, MN, passed away peacefully at her home in Hubbard, MN on Tuesday morning, February 3, 2009, surrounded by her loved ones, following a valiant battle against Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Bonnie was born on May 4, 1936 in Cresco, Iowa to Orson "Bill" Howe and Lucille (Macal) Ingeltheron. It was in mostly the Waterloo, Iowa area that she attended 12 years of public school education and grew into womanhood. As a young woman she ventured to Clear Lake, Iowa. On December 31, 1970, Bonnie was united in marriage to Robert Johannessen in Sioux Falls, SD. This marriage was blessed with eight children. Bonnie devoted her life to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will long be remembered for her delicious homemade chicken and noodles, potato salads and her zesty chili. In addition to caring for her family, Bonnie also owned and operated a restaurant and also worked at the Lifetime Motor Home Plant in Mason City, Iowa. In 1971, Bonnie and Robert ventured north to Bertha, MN where they engaged in dairy farming. Bonnie worked right along side Robert in caring for and milking their dairy herd. She was his #1 tractor and equipment operator. She took it upon herself to run the baler as they harvested hay each summer for their livestock. Each spring, Bonnie looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden which she would nurture into fruitful abundance to share with her family and friends. She also loved raising beautiful flowers into colorful splendor for all to see and enjoy. In 1994, they left farming and moved to Park Rapids, MN where Bonnie worked at the Hafner Greenhouse for a time. She and Robert completed each other and enjoyed many mutual interests. For over 26 years they bowled together on mixed leagues where they would compete sometimes three nights per week. Bonnie was a skilled bowler and competed in the Women"s National Tournament numerous times. She also loved to fish and made fishing with Robert a priority, whether it was on a lake near their home or a more ambitious trip into Canada, she loved spending time in the boat matching her skills against the elusive walleye. Above all, Bonnie devoted her entire life to her husband, her children and her grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. Bonnie will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert of Park Rapids; her eight children: John (Marsha) Johannessen of Sebeka, MN, Sherry (Todd) Fairley of Grand Forks, ND, Randy (Beth) Gleason of Park Rapids, Tamara (Clint) Markham of Eldorado Springs, MO, Candy (Dean) Hacker of Brainerd, MN, Keith (DeVy) Johannessen of Breckenridge, MN, James (Nora) Gleason of Nevis, MN and Lou Jean Gleason of Hopkins, MN; 13 beloved grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; 4 sisters: Bernice Price of Ottumwa, Iowa, Mary (Wayne) Ehrig, Marlene Ahrends and Nancy Krall all of Waterloo, Iowa; two brothers: David Krall and Mike Krall both of Waterloo; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by one son, Steven Dale Doyen who tragically died in infancy and one brother, Lester Howe. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Chris Davis officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to services at the Funeral Home. Casketbearers will be Bonnie"s grandchildren: Jennifer Gleason, Steven Gleason, Cameron Johannessen, Ambria Johannesen, Keaton Johannesen, and Derek Hogan.