Bonita Lorene Bequette

Bonita Lorene (Craker) Bequette age 91 died July 12, 2024. A private family Christian service is planned by Pastor Matheny of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the Mankato Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Bonita was born May 10, 1933 to Nando and Olga (Krueger) Craker in Fall Creek, WI. She was raised in Fairchild, WI., where she was baptized, confirmed, met her future husband (Don) and later married there.

She graduated high school, and continued studies in business machines and office procedures and ended up working at Lutheran Brotherhood. Don was drafted into the Army and they lived the Army life for 2 years.

They started their family in 1954 with a son Ronald and then Bryon in 1958. Green Bay was their home while Don worked for North Central Airlines. With a promotion, they moved to Upper Michigan for a short stint and then moved to Mankato in 1958. They began a business for travel services entitled All Seasons Tour and Travel located in the Madison East Mall.

After her sons were both in school, she worked at various part time jobs, the latest was at Carlson Craft for 30 years. She enjoyed the fellowship of co-workers and many friends in the various departments.

Ron and Bryon gave her seven grandsons: Mike (Joanna), Joe (Margaret), Tom (Kristy), David, Stephen, John, and Daniel. Years later along came six great-grandchildren: Isabel, Bales, Jaci, Raider, Felicity and Nova. She had great joy with each of them. Bonnie was a permanent and loyal fan of all their sports and activities. One of her hobbies was genealogy after her father told his children that Charles Dickens was an ancestor on his father’s side.

She is survived by Ronald (Becky) of St. Clair and Bryon (Debbie) of Excelsior and their families. Many other close dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 69 years, Don, four sisters, one brother, one grandson, and one great-grandchild.