Bonnie Jean Brandsma

Bonnie Brandsma, age 83, of Garretson, died on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Center in Sioux Falls. A time of fellowship with the family will begin at 12:00 P.M. Sunday, June 14, 2009, with a lunch beginning at 12:30 P.M. at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Following lunch, a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:30 P.M. at the church.

Bonita Jean Cochrane was born on October 9, 1925, to Bertram and Esther (Clifford) Cochrane. She grew up on her parent’s farm by Elkton, South Dakota. She learned how to farm from her parents and took that knowledge with her when she married Lyle Brandsma on May 14, 1944. They farmed together until 1985 when they retired into Garretson.

Bonnie was active in many clubs, NFO and her church and circle. She worked at Palisade Manor for a short time and volunteered there for a long time. She also worked at the Devils Gulch Park for several summers.

Bonnie was known for her angel food cakes and if you had a problem at your house, she would more than likely bake you an angel food cake and bring it to you. She was a wonderful, loving and generous person.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Lyle of Garretson; children: Virginia (James) Solheim of Garretson, Michael (Diane) Brandsma of Sioux Falls and John (special friend Nancy) Brandsma of Garretson; seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, two sisters and an infant son, Rodney.