Bonita Jean Lundgren

On February 18, 2024, we lost the heart of our family. You have earned your rest, Mom. After years of compromised health, you will no longer struggle. Delight in seeing family and friends again. And rejoice in walking the gardens of heaven with Dad and Cheryl.  Give them our love.

Bonita “Bonnie” Jean Tarpy was born October 8, 1942, to Clayton and Adeline (Frederick) Tarpy in Mankato, MN. She was one of six children. She was raised in the Catholic faith attending local parochial schools, and graduated from Good Counsel Academy in 1960. She knew of hard work early on as each child was expected to contribute to the cost of education for the next.  She spent her summers as a live-in nanny and cleaning homes.  It was an early education for her selfless role as our mother. Life was difficult, but Mom often reminisced about a childhood full of love, laughter, and innocent mischief. She was blessed to grow up with her best friends in sisters Delores, Marlene, and Bernice, the “Tarpy Girls”, in Madison Lake, MN.

On March 3, 1962, Bonnie was united in marriage to Robert Lundgren, at All Saints Catholic Church, Madison Lake, MN. Together they raised six children and made their home in Eagle Lake. From the beginning she was a working Mom, primarily assembly jobs. She worked until her mid-forties, needing to retire from Midwest Electric after a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Even through poor health, she became the ultimate homemaker, devoting the next thirty years to Dad and us kids. In 2017, within a year of Dad’s passing, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She remained in her home, cared for by family, fully enjoying her road trips to the casino, surprise adventures, birthday celebrations, annual family fish fries and most importantly, holidays with family.

Over the course of her lifetime Mom enjoyed camping, snow-mobiling, playing cards, traveling for youth sports, and attending classic car shows. She loved Sunday drives and dinners out. Gardening was her passion. Her many talents and joys live on, in each one of her children. She passes on a love for reading, her artistic and creative talent, her green thumb, and her sense of humor. She was the best cook and her home was always open to family and friends.The pot was always on at the Lundgren’s. Mom loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly. Thank you, Mama, for all the love and laughter you have given us. You are forever in our hearts.  

Bonnie passed away at the age of 81, on February 18, 2024, in her home. She is survived by her daughters Juanita (Jeff) Milbrett of Pemberton, MN, Rachelle “Shelley” (Bob) Wilkinson of St. Peter, MN, Shannon Lundgren of Eagle Lake, MN, Nicole (Rick Ashpole) Lundgren of Eagle Lake, MN, and son Nathan “Nate” (Jenelle Stovern) Lundgren of Eagle Lake, MN; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Jarrett (Denise Fritschmann) Milbrett and Ozker, Miranda (Jeff Feitshans) Milbrett, and Jacob Milbrett, Kristin Rapp and Trey and Elizabeth, Corey (Kristina Kintzel) Rapp and Jaden, and Sarah (Mark Matthews) Rapp and Aiden, Brandon Porter and JacieLynn, Tyler (Tiffany) Porter, and Zaiden and Nahla, and Tiffany (Joe Isaacson) Ashpole;  one sibling Bernice (Vern) Lundgren; in-laws Sandra Rauchman, Richard Lundgren, Michael Lundgren, and Pam (Michael) Grant; also many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; daughter Cheryl; her parents; sister and brother-in-law Lavonne (Bob) Weed, brother and sister-in-law Jerome (Midge) Tarpy, sister and brother-in-law Delores (Jack) Hoehn, and sister and brother-in-law Marlene (John) Swanson; Grandma Lundgren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marvin and Donna, Millie, Maynard, Duane and Kathy, Gary, Judy, and Dee; and several nephews. 

Mass will be 11am, Saturday, March 2, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church in Madison Lake with visitation held two hours prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Madison Lake.