Bonnie Mae Warner
December 7, 1955 ~ November 4, 2023
Born in:
Graceville, Minnesota
Resided in:
Dilworth, Minnesota
Bonnie’s services will be viewable on this page shortly before they start:
Bonnie Warner, 67, Dilworth, MN, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at home with the love and support of family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed with her presence.
Bonnie was born on December 7, 1955 to Ernest “Bud” and Beulah (Bates) Smith in Graceville, MN. She lived a fulfilling life filled with love, joy, and treasured memories. Growing up on a rural farm near Dumont, Minnesota, Bonnie developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for nature. Small-town values shone through Bonnie in her dedication to her friends and her endless capacity to visit and tell stories. She graduated from Wheaton High School, before pursuing a degree in business from Moorhead State University. After graduation in 1979, Bonnie began her career as an accounts receivable associate at Border States Electric. Her exceptional skills and work ethic shone bright, leading her to a similar role at Fargo Clinic/MeritCare/Sanford, where she dedicated her professional life until her well-deserved retirement in 2019.
Bonnie was united in marriage to Ken Warner on April 24, 1982. Their marriage was one of love, compromise, and encouragement, even down to their faith. Day or weekend excursions to the nearby lakes area, or the breathtaking North Shore were only a suggestion away. Weeklong adventures to Washington state, Arizona, and Texas for nature and family visits, and ohh, don’t forget Niagara Falls, Colorado, Hawaii, and Ireland, wow! Those around them admired Bonnie and Ken’s devotion to one another, and the fun memories created with them around. With her captivating storytelling, Bonnie cultivated an atmosphere of laughter and camaraderie in every gathering.
Though Bonnie’s retirement was met with unexpected travel limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she found solace in her cherished hobby of gardening. Her green thumb brought forth beauty from the earth, and her garden became a sanctuary where she could connect with nature and tend dutifully to her many flowers.
Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of many years, Ken Warner, who stood by her side throughout their extraordinary journey together. Her sister Mary Kaye Smith, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews as well as many sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, cousins, and endless friends, will miss Bonnie dearly. Her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Beulah, sister Lois, and brothers Dennis and Sam.
In honor of Bonnie’s life, a prayer service will be held at 7pm on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Dilworth Lutheran Church, visitation two hours prior. A memorial service will follow at 11am on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Dilworth Lutheran Church, visitation one hour prior. Lunch will follow. The ceremonies will be a reflection of the vibrancy and joy that Bonnie brought to all of our lives. As we gather to celebrate her legacy, we will find solace in the memories we shared, and comfort one another during this time of both sorrow and gratitude.
Bonnie Warner will be remembered as a loving wife, sweet sister, an encouraging aunt, loyal friend, and a person whose contagious laughter filled the room. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire us to live each day with genuine kindness, unwavering resilience, and a zest for life, just as Bonnie did. “Till Next Time, Bonnie! We love you!”
Bonnie was such an awesome person. She will be remembered by many for her kindness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken and with all of her family. While time and distance and life activities and situations have limited the time we have shared over the years since our school days, I will remember and cherish Bonnie’s goodness, kindness, understanding heart and her compassionate spirit. Even though I broke her nose in 8th grade when we ran in to each other playing a game of Anti-I- Over, she still liked me! And I was so blessed to sing at her and Ken’s wedding!! I am so grateful that I shared a phone visit with her late this summer. May she rest eternal in heavenly glory and may God’s love, peace and comfort be with Ken and Bonnie’s family.
No one could ask for a kinder, more thoughtful, caring, fun loving friend then Bonnie!! Oh! The fun times we had! The hours of talks. I will miss her!! God gained a Beautiful Angel when Bonnie got her hallo! One day, we’ll do lunch again!! Love you, Bonnie.
My Sympathy to Ken & family. My thoughts & many prayers are with you!
Ken, my sincerest condolences in the passing of Bonnie. We had coffee together many times in the years we worked at Meritcare/Sanford. The last time I saw you was in Detroit Lakes and I didn’t recognize either of you. The laugh was on me. Bonnie was a sweetie. We have lost a good person.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Bonnie. She had so many great qualities. Sending a pray to Ken who’s love for Bonnie is a love that is forever.
So sorry for the loss of Bonnie. She was such a inspiring lady and such a good friend to Kim. She will be greatly missed.Our prayers are with you and family