Bonnie Fennell
October 11, 1941 — July 13, 2010
Bonnie Gene Bradesen, daughter of Kent and Josie (Rogne) Bradesen, was born October 11, 1941 in Sacred Heart in Renville County, Minnesota, where she grew up on the family farm. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Sacred Heart. She attended and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1959. She continued her education at St. Barnabas Hospital of Nursing graduating in 1962. On November 10, 1962, she was united in marriage to Merle Fennell. The couple made their home in Marshall, MN until 1968, when they moved to Morris. Bonnie worked at the Stevens Community Medical Center for 24 years, retiring on December 31, 2007.
Bonnie was a wonderful mom, grandma, sister, aunt, nurse, and friend to all. She enjoyed shopping for “treasures”, traveling (especially to Norway), going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends. Being a nurse was an extension of her caregiving personality. She treated all of her patients, both young and old, with compassion and respect. She really did live by the nurse’s creed. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves us with many happy memories and fun stories to share so we can keep her spirit in our hearts.
Bonnie died after a courageous battle with breast cancer on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at the Courage Cottage in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 68 years.
She is survived by five children: Christopher Fennell (Mary Wolf) of Sacred Heart, Rhonda (James) Tomoson of Prior Lake, Debra (Darryl) Holman of Bemidji, Daniel Fennell of Avon and Susan Barber of St. Joseph; four grandchildren: Jared Tomoson, Jessica Tomoson, Andrew Holman and Sebastian Holman; one brother: Wallace Bradesen of Redwood Falls; one sister: Marlys Daerda of Renville; three nephews: Kent, Nathan and Robin Daerda and one aunt: Lily Skottrud of Montevideo. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Pallbearers for the service are: Jared Tomoson, Jessica Tomoson, Andrew Holman, Sebastian Holman, Kent Daerda, Nathan Daerda and Robin Daerda. Honorary pallbearers are all of Bonnie’s fellow nursing friends. Rita Lambert will serve as organist for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.