Bonita Balzer

Bonita “Bonnie” A. Balzer, Brainerd, 69, died Jan. 28, 2010, at her home.

Funeral services were held Feb. 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, with Pastor Dave Holte offi ciating. Burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley in the spring.

Arrangements were with the Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Brainerd.

Bonnie was born Sept. 11, 1940, in Mankato to Milton and Mildred (Mathews) Buss. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Education at Mankato State University in 1962. She married Charles J. Balzer on June 1, 1963, at Carmel Presbyterian Church in Lake Crystal.

The family lived in Staples from 1970 to 1995. She was employed as the school nurse for the Staples School District and at United District Hospital. They were active members of Faith Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Altar Society and served as an usher. She was also involved in the Faith Lutheran suppers for vocational school students.

For a few years the family lived at Lake Alexander and attended Bethany Lutheran Church of Cushing.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd. She enjoyed golf, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, traveling and gardening.

Bonnie is survived by her husband; two daughters, Debra (Robert) Plagemann, Lake Shore; Rebecca (Sean) Boland, Apple Valley; two granddaughters; two sisters, Marlyn Buss and Audrey Buss.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. A00006B2010FB04