Bonnie B. Gerdes
Bonnie B. Gerdes, age 76 of Nelson, died Sunday, November 26, 2017 at the Pepin Health and Rehab Center in Pepin with her family by her side.
Bonnie was born on September 29, 1941 in Neillsville, WI. She was the daughter of Robert and Jeanne (Goodspeed) O’Brien. After high school Bonnie attended Cosmetology School in Minneapolis, MN. While there, Bonnie met David Gerdes. They married on November 8, 1963. Together they had two daughters. Bonnie and David have lived in Nelson since the late 1980’s. She will be remembered for her work with David Gerdes Ministries and God’s Family Restoration Center in Red Wing, MN, Texas and Mexico. Bonnie was also known as the “Cookie Lady” during the Flood Runs in Nelson.
Bonnie was an artist and sold many of her paintings, she composed many songs and ministered as vocalist and pianist.
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 54 years; David, two daughters; Lona Bea (Chuck) Thomas of Baltimore, MD and LeNae Mae (Chris) Markham of Lake City, MN, five grandchildren; Tyler, Caleb, Carrianna, Bronson and Carli, six great grandchildren, two brothers; Ron (Leslie) O’Brien and Bobby O’Brien, three sisters; Patricia (John) Mickelsen, Colleen (Dan) Tolva and Carol (Lance) Becker, sister-in-law; Linda Jerpbak, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law; Leona and Walter Gerdes, one sister-in-law; Lola Widmyer and Uncle and Aunt; Clair and Gen Marshall.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. Burial will be in the Maiden Rock Cemetery in Maiden Rock. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of services at the funeral home on Wednesday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.