Bonita "Bonnie" J. Torgerson

Bonnie J. Torgerson, age 77, of Mankato, passed away on April 10, 2024 surrounded by her family. 

Bonnie was born on November 14, 1946 to Otto and Lillie (Papke) Hanke of Le Center.  Bonnie was welcomed by two sisters, Sharon and Carole and two years later, started sharing her birthday with her brother, Loren.   Bonnie graduated from McKinley High School in Le Center in 1964; her classmate, Phil Torgerson introduced her to his older brother, Ron who was returning from California that spring.   It was a match made in heaven. Bonnie and Ron loved hanging out at Pizza Villa in St Peter and he proposed there in 1965. They were married on October 29, 1966. The early years of their marriage were filled with being at the Hanke cabin on Big (East) Jefferson fishing for crappie and perch and road trips to Leech Lake, Okoboji and Las Vegas. Bonnie and Ron settled in Mankato and welcomed daughter, Tammy in 1972 and son, Jeremy in 1976. 

While the children were young, Bonnie worked at Ironwood Golf Club as a waitress and ran a daycare in her home.  Bonnie joined Carlson Craft in the 80’s and worked in the proofing and billing departments until her retirement in 2012.  

Bonnie had a lifelong love for flower gardening (especially hostas) and “stitching”, including cross stitch and hardanger (Norwegian embroidery). Bonnie was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and created many hardanger pieces for the Nordic Bazaar as well as serving as an usher and participating in women's circle.   

In addition to being a flower guru, Bonnie was a baby whisperer. She delighted in being able to calm any fussy baby and was thrilled to be called back into service when her grandchildren were born. 

After retiring, Bonnie and Ron enjoyed traveling to Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, and points in between.   Sunday drives were a regular occurrence and Bonnie was Ron’s navigator on the golf course.  Bonnie doted on her grandchildren, Nick, Alex, Sam, Lilly, and Jack and great-grandson, Liam.  

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years, Ron; daughter, Tammy (Troy) Rockvam and their children Nick (Morgan) Rockvam and their son, Liam, Alex and Samuel Rockvam; son, Jeremy (Tracy) Torgerson and their children, Lilly and Jack; siblings, Sheri Marten, Carole Davis, and Loren (Terri) Hanke; sisters-in-law Joan Pfeffer and Ruth Ann Torgerson and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also holding a special place in her heart were honorary daughter Katherine (Butzer) Bisek and honorary grandchildren Troy Schneider  and Sullivan, Finnegan, Malachi and Evander Ryan. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents in-law Price and Charlotte Torgerson and Julie Torgerson, and brothers-in-law Price Michael Torgerson, Bill Marten, Phil Torgerson, John Pfeffer and Fred Davis III. 

Bonnie's family would like to extend special thanks to neighbors Pat, Dan, Ashley, Luke, Holly & Larry, and the staff of Freedom Home Care and St Croix Hospice.

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.   Visitation will be Monday, April 15 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  Bonnie loved flowers; flowers are welcome! Memorial donations may be made to the family or to a charity of your choice.