Michael D. Bonnema

MICHAEL DEAN BONNEMA was born on July 1, 1956 to Nelson and Grada “Mickie” (Keunen) Bonnema in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm near Steen, Minnesota and learned to help with all aspects of the operation. He graduated from Hills-Beaver Creek High School in 1974. In high school he was active with FFA and was successful in meat judging and showing sheep. He also enjoyed athletics, particularly softball. Michael furthered his education and received his associate’s degree from Jackson Vocational and Technical School in Jackson, Minnesota. He then returned home to help with the family farming operation. On September 5, 1980, Michael was married to Jodie Klosterbuer at the Reformed Church of Steen. The couple made their home on the farm. They were blessed with a daughter, Amanda and a son, Alex. Michael retired from farming in 2008 and they moved to an acreage just south of the farm. They enjoyed traveling and took several vacations. Michael’s trip to Europe was one of his travel highlights. In February of 2018, Michael’s health further declined and he transitioned to the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne, Minnesota. On March 22, 2020, Michael died peacefully under hospice care at the age of 63 years, 8 months and 21 days.

Michael was a member of the Reformed Church of Steen, Minnesota. He loved Seinfeld, Elton John, The Beatles, Amy Grant and the Smothers Brothers. He will be remembered for breaking out into random Seinfeld quotes and singing Elton John around the house. He had an amazing memory. He could remember dates of vacations, things he did as a kid and the details of them all. Softball was one of his passions, playing the game and hanging out with friends and family at tournaments were some of his favorite times. He proudly wore #16 playing for the Steen softball team for almost 20 years. Everyone knew to back up in the outfield when he stepped up to the plate. He was a great dad and was always up for a game of ping pong or the game “Careers” with his kids. Amanda remembers that Dad would take her to help him feed the cows and play on the tractor. He had a soft spot for visiting with his brother Don and his Aunt Mildred. Michael’s faith was very important to him and knew that he would meet his Maker in heaven someday.

Michael is remembered by his wife, Jodie Bonnema of Luverne; children, Amanda Mensing of Sioux Falls, SD and Alexander Bonnema of Luverne; two grandchildren, Logan and Oliver Mensing; and siblings, Beth Sakurai of Yokohama, Japan, Stan (Gloria) Bonnema of Waconia, MN, Virginia (Jim) France of Sioux City, IA, and Mark (Eva) Bonnema of Tampa, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Bonnema; brother-in-law, Akira Sakurai; and his beloved dog, Francis.

Memorial donations preferred to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.