Bonnie J. Nelson

Bonnie Nelson quietly left this world and stepped into the arms of angels early Friday morning, at home, on July 30, 2021, in Great Falls, Montana. Bonita Jean Holmquist was born on November 15, 1937, and grew up in Willmar, Minnesota. Unlike many girls, she didn’t play with dolls. She was a tomboy who loved sports, playing office, riding her bike delivering newspapers and working in her family’s Dairy Freeze. Bonnie married her high school sweetheart, Kent Nelson, a small-town farm boy from Spicer, Minnesota. They dated for five years and were married in 1958. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on May 24, 2021. Their first child, Kristen Kaye, was born in 1961. That same year they moved to Great Falls, Montana as Kent accepted a teaching position. Their daughter, Erika, was born in 1965, followed by son, Leif, in 1966 and son, Jan, in 1970. She completed her college degrees later in life, earning both her Bachelor of English with a minor in Psychology and then her Master of Education in 1994.She was a literacy teacher in the Great Falls Public Schools for 12 years, retiring in 1999. Bonnie had a compassionate heart for others, and she embraced diversity and looked for any opportunity to interact with those of other cultures. She was a wonderful listener and always helped family and friends through life’s challenges without judgment. She radiated positivity and kindness and loved reaching out to others with words of encouragement. She also had a keen sense of humor and was quick to laugh at herself when she realized she said something silly. She had a zest for life! She enjoyed all aspects of the arts, including music (jazz was a favorite), drawing, painting, and architectural design. She also enjoyed reading, golfing, bike riding, cross country skiing, and even rollerblading. One of the highlights of her life was a five-day horseback trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Bonnie also loved living the lake life at the family cabin on Lake Florida in Minnesota. She had an eye for details and decorating, dreaming up projects that her talented husband would bring to fruition. She was a lifelong learner and especially enjoyed studying Spanish, Bible study with her Montana friends, and art club with the Minnesota gals. Bonnie loved great conversation and discussing current events.She cherished spending time with her grandkids, even attempting to do headstands in the backyard. As a mother, Bonnie suffered two tragic losses with the death of a young daughter and a granddaughter. As significant as these events were, she chose a life of joy and love over despair. Bonnie is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Kent Nelson; daughter, Erika (Kurt) Henneford; sons, Leif (Jenny) and Jan (Kerri) Nelson; grandchildren, Britt, Jake, Liam, Trey, Jace, Libby and Scobey; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Madelynn and Mila; sister, Bev (Larry) VanDenEinde; brother, Stuart Holmquist; sisters-in-law, Murial Holmquist and Karen (John) Fillenworth; numerous cousins; nieces and nephews; and close friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kristen Kaye; granddaughter, Kristen Marie; parents, Harold “Honky” and Ella Holmquist; brother, Larry Holmquist; in-laws, Kermit and Myrtle Nelson; sister-in-law, Mary Holmquist; and sister-in-law/brother-in-law, Marcia and Dave Hanson. Bonnie always kept her focus on the final prize, eternal life with our Lord and Savior. She would often sing the words “We will overcome,” and that sentiment rings true as she is joyously celebrating the greatest reunion of all, fulfilling God’s promise to her. A graveside service is planned for the following summer at Cloverleaf Cemetery in Willmar, Minnesota. A local celebration of life will be announced at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Great Falls Public Schools Foundation; the Mansfield Center for Performing Arts; Benefis Peace Hospice; or a charity of your choice.