Bonnie was welcomed into heaven by her lord and savior on September 15, 2018, surrounded by her family. We praise God for her love, guidance and showing us how to live a beautiful life. Bonnie Lee Anderson was born at home on October 2, 1937 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota to Herb and Pearl Anderson.
Bonnie moved around a lot as a child because her dad was a section foreman for the Milwaukee Railroad. She attended grade school in Trent, SD and graduated from Jasper High School in June 1956. In August 1955, while on a date with another man, Bonnie met the love of her life – although she didn’t know it yet.
When Vern tells the story, he says that he saw this beautiful girl walking out of the movie theater and all he could think was, “I am going to date her”. So, he tells his friends he wants to meet her, and it turns out that they know Bonnie. When Bonnie tells the story, she remembers her friend calling her over to a “beautiful ‘52 customized painted Ford, aqua and cream with a continental kit”.
They introduced Bonnie to “Kep” and the rest is history. Bonnie and Vern were married on June 28, 1956, on her parents 32nd wedding anniversary. They made their first home in a little apartment above the movie theater in Dell Rapids, SD, and Vern went to work at the Dell Rapids bakery.
On April 9, 1957 they welcomed their first son, Randy Allen. Bonnie stayed at home with her young son and enjoyed their new family. As stories go, they say they were dirt poor in those years, but rich in love.
On July 29, 1959 they welcomed their second son, Richard Jay. With their family growing and Vern’s love of baking, they decided to open their own bakery. They moved their family to Akron, Iowa and began working together in the “Bonnie Lee” bakery.
On October 29, 1963 they welcomed their daughter, Rebecca Ione. Finding that owning a bakery in a small town and working all hours of the day and night, wasn’t what they wanted to do, they decided to make a career change. In 1965, the family moved to Fargo, ND.
Along with being an amazing “domestic engineer” and raising 3 kids, Bonnie was also busy with daycare, Boy Scouts and foster care – all while being Vern’s receptionist, secretary, and Girl Friday for the “Kepler Company”. On December 31, 1968 they welcomed their youngest son, Rodney Shea and now their family was complete. There were many family adventures, with Bonnie being the chief planner and organizer of each of them.
When the children were young, the family traveled every summer in their Winnebago. After becoming empty nesters, they sailed on the shores of Leach Lake, mooring their boat at Horseshoe Bay. They also enjoyed riding their Harley, putting thousands of miles on every summer.
After the flood of 1997, Bonnie and Vern built a home, near Wheatland, ND, away from the Red River. Bonnie enjoyed living in the country and building a close relationship with her neighbors. On September 24, 1999, Bonnie had her first back surgery and never walked again.
It was a very long recovery that included more surgeries, but she never complained about the chair. She said there are a lot of other people out there who would gladly trade places with her. As the CHF and the COPD made things more difficult for Bonnie, she started preparing for her “going away party” while at the same time trying to ease the pain for her best friend and husband of 62 years.
Bonnie is the last sibling of her family and she told us that she was going to dance with her Daddy again. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Vern – Children: Randy (Cheryl) Kepler; Richard (Jeng) Kepler; Rebecca (Jeffrey) Upton; Rodney (Candice) Kepler – Grandchildren: Jennifer (Jason) Simmons, Jonathan Kepler, Matthew (Jill) Upton, Michael (Kristin) Kepler, Amanda Goplin, Tanner Upton and Bradley Kepler and 8 great-grandchildren. Bonnie is proceeded in death by her parents, Herb and Pearl Anderson, her sister Hazel Hughes (Norfolk VA), Brothers: Philip Anderson, (Dell Rapids) Lawrence (Dutch) Anderson, (Florida), Gordon (Gordie) Anderson (Puyallup WA) The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their amazing care, understanding and comfort during this very difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted to Hospice. Visitation: Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at West Funeral Home, Casselton, ND.
Funeral: Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 11 AM at the Casselton United Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior. Burial: Wheatland Cemetery.
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