Arnold H. Bonnema

ARNOLD HARVEY BONNEMA was born on August 1, 1918 to George and Dena (Kleinwolterink) Bonnema in Sioux County, Iowa. When Arnold was two years old, he moved with his family to a farm near Steen, Minnesota. He attended and completed District 1 Country School through the eighth grade and worked on the family farm. In the early 40’s, Arnold made his way to Sioux Center, Iowa, to court his future bride, Jane Bartels. The couple was married on March 21, 1941 at Jane’s parents’ home in Sioux Center. They made their home in the upstairs portion of Arnold’s parents’ house. His parents moved into town in 1943 and Arnold and Jane began raising their family on the farmstead. Arnold farmed the land until he retired. In 2003 he moved with Jane to The Oaks apartments in Luverne, Minnesota. A short time later the couple made the move to the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne. Jane preceded Arnold in death on August 9, 2009. Arnold then moved to the Good Samaritan Society in George, Iowa, and a short time later moved to Good Samaritan Society in Jackson, Minnesota where on November 8, 2011 he died at the age of 93 years, three months, and seven days.

Arnold was a member of the Reformed Church of Steen in Steen, Minnesota. He was a man of great faith and put his faith in action throughout his life. He taught Sunday School, was a member of the Consistory, and was active in a male chorus and sang in quartets. He was active in mission trips with the church including travel to the Phillipines and various states in the South. One of Arnold’s passions throughout life was flying which began with his first flight as a young child on a barnstormer at the county fair. He also loved to go fishing, camping and spending time together with the “odd couples”. Another passion for both Arnold and Jane was traveling. Their travels depended on how well the farm did that year, but no matter the location, whether a quick trip to somewhere nearby or all the way to California, they enjoyed their time together. Family was always a priority to Arnold, and he cherished their Sunday afternoon tradition of coming together for a family meal.

Arnold is lovingly remembered by his four children, George and his wife Sharon Bonnema of Luverne, Gracia and her husband Dennis Schrick of George, Iowa, Daniel and his wife Carol Bonnema of Lake Park, Iowa, and Denise and her husband Larry Eben of Plant City, Florida; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Jane; his parents; a great-granddaughter, Hadleigh Mullenberg; and five siblings, John Bonnema, Peter Bonnema, Nelson Bonnema, Milton Bonnema, and Kathleen Bonnema.