Bonnie Jean Bengtson

Bonnie Jean (Edwards) Bengtson of Grimes, 89, passed away from a sudden illness on Nov. 29. She was beloved for her kindness, thoughtfulness, sense of humor and a mischievous streak her family and friends adored.

Born Feb. 3, 1933 in Yuba City, Calif., Bonnie was the youngest of five children. As a young woman, Bonnie proudly worked as a secretary to an Air Force colonel for several years at McClellan Air Force Base. She had security clearance to classified information which she loyally kept confidential until her death.

In 1955, she met Air Force Major Richard Bengtson, her life-long love and spouse of 66 years, on a blind date. After they married in 1956, she followed Richard to military bases across the U.S. - and Panama - for more than 15 years while raising six children as Richard served in Alaska and Vietnam.

Upon Richard's retirement from the military, the family of eight moved to Richard's home state of Iowa, where for more than 20 years they raised corn, beans and pigs on a sprawling farm near Randall. They also spent many years restoring antiques and flipped houses during winter months. Raising six farm kids was a full-time job for Bonnie, and she did it well. She was very involved in church and her kids' school activities. She and Richard taught their kids the meaning of hard work - as well as how to play a mean game of hearts. Bonnie loved to make family gatherings and holidays extra-special, often devising special skits, songs and games to be performed by their children - and in later years their many grandchildren.

It was rare for a swear word - or even a sip of alcohol - to cross Bonnie's lips. She was healthy and robust for nearly her entire life. Bonnie enjoyed Dairy Queen Blizzards, crossword puzzles, cuddling with their cat and a fiesty game of bridge. Her greatest love in life was her family.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Richard Bengtson; their children David Bengtson, Michael (Deb) Bengtson, Jim (Diane) Bengtson, Lori Timmons, Lisa (Kevin) Humke, Linda (Mitch) Clauson; grandchildren Daniel Bengtson, Hannah Bengtson, Cory Bengtson, Elizabeth Bengtson, Brian Bengtson, Brenna Bengtson, Erik (Jessica) Timmons, Van Timmons, Jessica (Megan) Humke, Jenna (Rahul Seshappa) Humke, Brady (Vanessa Sandoval) Clauson and Dalayna Clauson; and great-grandchildren Ryan Timmons and Grayson Clauson.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Barton Edwards, and her siblings Bart, Emory, Lucille and Bill.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Lawn Cemetery, rural Boxholm. Rev. Rod Meyer will officiate. A celebration of life gathering will follow the graveside service, from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m., in the fellowship room at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boxholm. For online obituaries & condolences visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com