Bonnie Sprague
July 23, 1928 ~ January 15, 2020
Bonnie Edelle Sprague passed away surrounded by family on January 15, 2020. She was born on July 23, 1928 to Ethel and Gardner Bjoin in Erskine, Minnesota.
A long time East Grand Forks resident, she recently moved to Bethany in Fargo to be closer to family as her health declined.
She is preceded in death by her mother Ethel (Fredrickson) Bjoin, father Gardner Bjoin, sister Cheryl Bjoin and husband of 60 years, Richard Sprague.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Patrick DeLaPointe), Lorrie (Douglas Collison) and Beth (Jerry Hunter), four grandchildren, four great grandchildren and assorted dogs and horses. After graduating from Crookston High School, Bonnie worked as an opthamologist technician. In 1950, Bonnie married Richard who was truly the boy next door.
Bonnie and Richard started a family and moved to Ada where Richard had an electronics store. Eventually he took a job with the FAA and they moved to East Grand Forks. Later they accepted a job with the Department of Defense at Ramey Air Base, Puerto Rico and spent five years there. After completing the assignment in Puerto Rico they moved to South Hadley Massachusetts, then back to East Grand Forks. Upon returning Bonnie worked at American Federal Savings Loan and eventually retired as the Marketing Manager.
Family and friends were always Bonnie’s highest priority. She and Richard were the proud parents of three daughters. She managed sporting events, band, school plays, proms, boyfriends and everything that goes with raising three girls.
After Bonnie retired, she and Richard wintered in Arizona for more than twenty years to both get out of the cold and to be close to their youngest daughter. Gardening was a passion she and Richard shared. They were a team in that she did the flowers and he did the vegetables. Everywhere Bonnie lived she had a knack for making new friends. She enjoyed playing cards and socializing with new and old friends. Bonnie was very good at keeping in contact with friends at a long distance. Her address book was full of people from all over the country. Bonnie was proud of her Norwegian heritage and in true Viking fashion saw a lot of the world in her life. Besides taking a girl’s trip to California (in 1947!), she visited such places as the islands of the Caribbean, deserts in Mexico and rainforests in South America Bonnie was always a good sport and up for trying new things.
Bonnie took comfort in her Lutheran Faith and was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church until declining health prevented her from more active participation.
There will be a Visitation at 10:00 AM Friday, January 24 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks followed by Funeral Services at 11:00 AM. A private interment will follow. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be given to Our Saviors Youth Ministry or St. Jude Hospital.
The Seczko family were friends of Bonnie and Richard for many years up in East Grand Forks. There were so many memories of fun times. They enjoyed doing things together. Bonnie and Virginia got off to a great start as neighborhood friends. There were times when they made too many blended drinks which turned into real silliness. Ray and Richard were also included in the fun and they became fast friends. Memories include dining out, sharing recipes of desserts and main dishes and inviting each other over for meals. They truly enjoyed each others company. Sympathies to your family. Gary and Ann Seczko
Beth and family:
My deepest sympathies regarding the passing of your mother. She was such a nice lady and I have fond memories of both her and your father. The last time I saw your mom was 20 years ago at my parents 50th wedding anniversary party. We had a really nice conversation discussing all kinds of fun memories from when you and I were kids across the street from each other. It was great talking with her. Take care and hold the memories of your mother close.
Kathy, Patrick, Alicia, Piper and families, our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. We’re so sorry to hear of your mother/grandmother’s passing and our thoughts/prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Beth and family, We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She and my mom, Mary Ann, spent many hours together working on the flowers at Our Savior’s. May our mothers’ be enjoying the beautiful gardens in heaven and may the happy memories sustain you during this time of loss. Take care
I met Bonnie, and Richard, through my friendship with their daughter Kathy. I have always thought Bonnie was one of the warmest and most insightful person I encountered.
In recent years, on trips back to EGF to visit my Mom I was lucky enough to be able to visit with Bonnie. I will hold the memories of those conversations with warmth and gratitude. She was a true lady and a marvelous human being.
The family of Bonnie, she was a great lady to work with at American Federal and after she retired we still had fun with her at times some of us would get together. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I don’t know any family members and can’t remember the last time I saw Bonnie…but I worked at American Federal with her in the 80’s. She was very bright, had a great sense of humor, and was extremely good at her job. Very well-liked by employees…a classy lady. Im sure the family has many good memories of her. I regret not thanking her for being so nice and helpful.
Kathy, Lorrie, Beth and families,
We are thinking of you all and love you very much. Your Mom was so special to us. We’ve all known each other since we lived at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico and were lucky enough to get back together when our Dads retired to East Grand Forks. I can’t count how many fun times we had with your Mom and Dad. A lot of laughs and good food. We made alot of memories. I was fortunate to visit your Mom and introduce her to my husband. She made a picnic lunch in a basket and we drove over to the cemetery to visit my Dad and Richard. It was winter and we were freezing, we trudged through the snow, said our prayers and sat in the gazebo, reminiscing and drinking hot chocolate. Your Mom was the best! Sending our love and praying for your comfort and peace. Love Kim (Raddatz) & Harold Kreamer
I send my heartfelt condolences to Bonnie’s dear family. The Sprague family became the Kingsley’s neighbors in Western Mass. Bonnie became my mentor, sharing her great sense of humor and wonderful wisdom. I admired her and found her comforting. Rest in the Peace of our Lord, Jesus. Re-membering her often puts her back in membership with all of us. John and Suzi send their sympathy as well.