Bonnie Jean Burk, age 80, passed away peacefully December 12, 2015, while surrounded by her family.
She was born December 29, 1934 to Arthur and Margaret (Workman) Strand in Mankato, Minnesota. In 1956, Bonnie graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Olaf College with her B.A. in English. While in college, she was a member of Pi Beta Kappa and played 3rd Chair Clarinet in the St Olaf Band. She moved to Hibbing, Minnesota and taught Jr. High English 1956-1958. On March 29, 1958, in Mankato, she married Eddie Burk. Together they moved to LaPorte, Indiana in 1962. Upon welcoming their son, Terry and daughter, Kelly, Bonnie chose to concentrate on motherhood.
Bonnie was a prayerful, devout woman who was very active at Bethany Lutheran Church in LaPorte. She was an accomplished pianist, avid reader, loved travelling, the Minnesota North Shore, and nature. Bonnie was a proponent of equal rights for all, speaking out to discourage and eliminate inequality. In 2011, Bonnie moved to Stacy, Minnesota and became a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eddie; and sister, Judy A. Rohlfs. She will be deeply missed by her son, Terry (Linda) Burk; daughter, Kelly (Stephen) Wetoska; grandchildren, Kevin and Kelsey Burk, Emily, Michael, and Anna Wetoska; sister, Donna Strand; and all her friends at Bethany Lutheran Church.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G Street, LaPorte, IN 46350. Visitation will take place at the church before the service from 10-11 a.m. Interment will take place at Carmel Cemetery in LaPorte. In Lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, or the National Marfan Foundation. Local arrangements are being handled by Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.