Bonita F. Fuhrmann

BONITA "BONNIE" FRANCELLE FUHRMANN was the middle child of nine born to Reinhold and Marie (Jockheck) Mager on January 27, 1930 on the family farm in rural Redfield, South Dakota. She was raised and attended school here, graduating in 1947. Bonnie went on to further her education at a teacher’s college in Aberdeen, South Dakota. During her time here, she was introduced to her brother’s friend, Norman, the man she would later marry. Bonnie began her teaching career in various country schools before she worked at the Crippled Children’s School in Jamestown, North Dakota under Dr. Anne Carlsen for one year. She then taught in Granite Falls and at the Waverly Parochial School in Iowa. On June, 30, 1957, She was united in marriage to Norman Fuhrmann at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Redfield, South Dakota and she joined him on the farm just East of Florence, Minnesota. Bonnie went to work at the school in Tyler where she taught first grade for three years before leaving the workforce to start her family. Norman and Bonnie shared their home on the farm for over 54 years until Bonnie entered the Avera Sunrise Manor in Tyler. She went to be with her Lord on Friday, September 14, 2018, at the age of 88 years, 7 months, and 17 days.

Over the years, Bonnie was very active on the farm. Teaching was her calling throughout life and though her career in the schools came to an end, she continued to enjoy leading Sunday School and Bible Study. Bonnie had a tender heart for children and a very strong faith. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and Shelburne Township Birthday Club. Reading and listening to religious music were some of her favorite ways to spend time. She was a naturally gifted artist even though she rarely had the time for it, aside from “helping” with her children’s art projects. Bonnie will be remembered for always being willing to lend a helping hand and by the way she epitomized an honorable nature toward others.

Bonnie is lovingly remembered by her husband, Norman of Balaton; children, Christina Marie of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Roy (Kim) Fuhrmann of Webster, Minnesota; grandchildren, Ryan (Kate) Thorson of Alexandria, Jenna Fuhrmann of Webster, and Danyelle (Anthony) Jones of Centennial, Colorado; step-grandchildren, Melissa Denman and Cyndi Halvorson and their families of Spokane, Washington; great-grandchild, Evelyn Jones; siblings, Inez Booze, Delvona Smith, and LaQuita Wedell; and many other friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Maxine Hanson, Glenn Mager, Cecil Mager, Reinhold “Dick” Mager, and Valeria Camereno.