Bonita Ann McElmury age 82, of Waite Park, MN passed away on March 25, 2026. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Joy Christian Center 770 21st Ave, N.E. St. Cloud MN 56304. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Brian Gobar will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at the VA Cemetery in Preston, MN.
Bonita was born on October 4, 1943, in Hastings, MN to Arthur and Phyllis Heinz. The family moved to Lakeville, MN when she was 3 years old and lived there until 1961. She graduated on June 1, 1961, and married the love of her life, Lyle, on July 1, 1961. The joy of her life was her family. She was the proud mother of two children, son Douglas (Dawn) McElmury of Union Grove, WI. and daughter Dawn of Waite Park, MN, a sweet granddaughter, Courtney, three precious great granddaughters, Michelle, Sofia and Gianna of Weston, WI.
Her favorite name was “Grandma Birdie”. Bonnie worked as a receptionist for some wonderful companies over the years and always enjoyed her work. She treated many people to her no calorie, “secret recipe” brownies. Every day was a good day some were just gooder than others!
Bonnie is survived by; her husband, Lyle; children, Douglas and Dawn and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Art & Phyllis Heinz of Lakeville, MN and brothers Bill and Alvin Heinz. Arrangements by Daniel Funeral Home, St, Cloud, MN.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Centracare Home Hospice for their loving care and especially Jolene, Stephanie, Jeanie, Hailey, and Chris.
Dear Lyle and Dawn: Bonnie was important in my life and my deceased wife, Susan’s life, as were the both of you so many years ago. I remember fondly the conversations we had together at church and on your home. Bonnie was such a special lady and so intelligent too. She had years of wisdom.
I know that you are missing her and yet you do not grieve as those who have no hope. With my heartfelt love. Randy
My heart goes out to you Lyle and the children. I remember with fond affection and love for the wonderful years together church and days working together in the church office. You and Bonnie were so kind and loving, generous and genuine to me and everyone. Rejoicing at Bonnie’s homegoing and hugging you till we see her again. God comfort all at this time with that special JOY that He gives.
I met Lyle at Menards. He got his exersize walking up and down the aisles. We called him “every aisle Lyle”. Two or three times he brought his beutiful wife Bonnie to see our Christmas displays. She was such a warm and quite funny lady. You could just feel the unwavering love between her and Lyle. It was such a pleasure every time he brought her in. I know it wasn’t easy on her physically but you could see her joy radiate while walking through the Chistmas displays. Thank you Lyle for sharing your lovely wife with me…I will cherish the memory of this wonderful lady. God bless you and your family, Lyle.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bonnie. We both have such wonderful memories of both of you from our visits and our time at Joy before we moved to Georgia in 2015. Sending you lots of love and prayers.
Hello Lyle and Don and Douglas,
This is Helmar and Judy who are sending to you? Our deepest condolences at the passing of your dear wife and mother Bonnie.
With deep Joy, we remember the wonderful times we had together fellowshipping in the Lord, studying the word and loving each other.
And scripture tells us that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We are of the redeemed and we love the resurrected Jesus Christ and we believe in eternal life in another world where there is no sin or death.
Yet, I also know that Bonnie is gone from your arms and that creates a sense of loss and pain which is real. In my mind, grief and love are the reverse. The more you love, the more you grieve. You loved Bonnie so much.
The richest greetings from Judy and myself
As we live our old age and the presence of Jesus Christ.
Helmar and Judy
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Joy Christian Center 770 21st Ave, N.E. St. Cloud MN 56304. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Brian Gobar will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at the VA Cemetery in Preston, MN.
