April 24, 1952 – December 10, 2022
Bonnie Jean Bakken, age 70, of Harmony, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital after a brief illness.
Bonnie Schrandt was born on April 24, 1952, in Rochester, Minn., to John and Virginia (Fuchs) Schrandt. She grew up on their family dairy farm just outside of Stewartville, Minn. It was there that she gained her incredible work ethic and her love for animals and farming. She graduated from Stewartville High School in 1970. It wasn’t long after that she met the love of her life, Robert Bakken, and they were united in marriage on July 1, 1972, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stewartville.
Bonnie worked various jobs early in their marriage until they decided to start their own family dairy herd in the late 1970s. She loved working with the animals and raising the baby calves. She spent the next 15 years working to build their herd into a successful dairy operation all while being a wonderful homemaker and raising their two children. They sold their herd in 1992 and Bonnie went to work for Wilson Farms tending farrowing houses. Again, her love of farming and animals led her down this path. After a decade of this work, she finished her career at Harmony Enterprises reading blueprints and wiring their cardboard balers.
In retirement Bonnie worked as a lunch lady for Fillmore Central High School and worked part-time at Harmony Foods. Bonnie and Bob traveled, learned to golf, and enjoyed their four grandsons that she loved with all her heart. She was always seen attending their various school activities and sporting events, cheering louder than anyone. She also loved to do jigsaw puzzles. She spent countless hours during the winter months putting together large puzzles. She was known by everyone as a sweet and kind lady who loved to visit, play cards, volunteer with the church, and also served as an election judge.
Bonnie is survived by her two children, Michelle (Jay) Rice of Lime Springs, Iowa, and Jim (Christy) Bakken of Preston, Minn.; four grandchildren: Brandon and Bradley Munkel and Mathew and Joshua Bakken; three stepgrandchildren: Kyle Rice, Brandi (Sam) Ollendieck and Jarrett Rice along with one step great-grandchild, Luke Ollendieck. She is further survived by three siblings: Barb (Norm) Lecy of St. Charles, Minn., Wayne (Lori) Schrandt of Stewartville, Minn., and Jayne (Jim Lynch) Schrandt of Eyota, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband Bob and her parents John and Virginia Schrandt.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022, at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony. Visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Harmony, and again one hour prior to services on Friday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will take place following services, at Greenfield Cemetery in Harmony. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following burial, at the Old Legion Hall in Harmony (45 First Ave NW, Harmony, Minn.) All are welcome to attend. Lindstrom Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.