Bonita “Bonnie” Kay Norstad, age 78, of Rushford, passed away at Mayo Clinic Hospital Saint Marys Campus on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Bonnie was born on August 24, 1945, to Willard and Adeline (Hanson) Lindell in Red Wing. She attended school in Cannon Falls, graduating from the Cannon Falls High School in 1963. She was united in marriage to James Norstad on July 13, 1963, at the Spring Garden Lutheran Church, rural Cannon Falls. James and Bonnie started their family in Cannon Falls and then moved to Rushford in 1972. In addition to raising her family, Bonnie worked at the Rushford Clinic, was a bookkeeper for Jim’s Building Center and was co-owner/hostess at Mill Street Inn. She had a beautiful voice, singing in a quartet at Spring Garden Lutheran and was a member of the Women’s Federated Club and Bridge Club.
Bonnie lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over 50 years, but it never slowed her down. She was always at the center of her family, creating gatherings and making incredible food for everyone. She was deeply devoted to her family and followed her grandchildren all over the country to enjoy their various activities. She loved her flower gardens and had a flare for fashion. She will be remember for her incredible kindness as well as her beauty, both inside and out.
She will be dearly missed by her husband of 60 years, James of Rushford; her children Dawn Epps of Cannon Falls and Greg (Kim) Norstad of Rushford, her grandchildren Megan (Chris) Stokka of Lakeville, Shelby (Matt) Bateman of Burnsville, Blake (Lenora) Norstad of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Ryan Epps of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sophie Epps of Cannon Falls; her great-grandchildren Charlotte Bateman, Joey Stokka and Roman Stokka; her siblings Margene Benson, Martha Norstad, Val Rae (Steve) Haggstrom, Merlyn (Brenda) Lindell and Mark (Glenda) Lindell, all of Cannon Falls,and Robert (Michelle) Lindell of Pequot Lakes, Minn. Bonnie is further survived by James’ siblings and their spouses, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers-in-law Gary Benson and Robert Norstad.
A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Rushford Lutheran Church, with a gathering of friends and family from 10-11:30 a.m., also at the church. Pastor Steve Chellen will officiate and honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bonnie’s name is appreciated and will be directed to the Rushford Ambulance Service.
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service of Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences or a memory can be left for the family at www.hofffuneral.com.