Bonnie Rose Chalstrom, age 88, of Princeton went to be with her Lord November 12, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 17th at Salem Lutheran Church in Dalbo. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday, November 16th at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel and also one hour prior to the funeral Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Bonnie Rose Chalstrom was born January 22, 1927 in Foreston, Minnesota to Myron and Clara (Aarseth) Northway. She graduated as valedictorian from Milaca High School. Bonnie then attended Business College in Minneapolis and became an Executive Assistant for various companies in Minneapolis. On September 10, 1949, Bonnie and Melvin were married in a candle light ceremony at the West Branch Lutheran Church near Long Siding and made their home on the Chalstrom farm. In 1959 they moved to Columbia Heights and Bonnie resumed her career as an Executive Assistant for Peavey Co and ConAgra. She enjoyed scheduling all the arrangements for international trips as well as supporting business visitors from numerous foreign countries. She was praised by her managers for doing everything with excellence. After retiring in 1988 they moved back to the farm where they lived as long as their health allowed.
Bonnie always lived by the saying “If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well”. She instilled the value of education and an intellectual curiosity in her children. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed trying new things. Bonnie was also a traditional loving mother. She enjoyed taking family trips, gardening and baking. She was a long time member of Salem Lutheran Church in Dalbo and served in many ways including Sunday school teacher, Womens’s Bible study member, maintenance of church Alter cloths, preparation and serving of food for church events and Women’s quilting group.
Bonnie went to be with her Lord November 12, 2015 at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 21 days. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin, in January, 2014; infant brother, Leo; brother, Llewellyn Northway; and sisters, Leona Rottink and Dorothy Meyer.
She will be lovingly remembered by her sons; Robert (Joyce) Chalstrom of Cheyenne, WY, David (Theresa) Chalstrom of Princeton; daughter, Jean (Mike) Selan of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren, Chris Chalstrom, Ryan (Cori) Chalstrom, Jocelyn Selan; great-granddaughter, Amanda Chalstrom; brother, Reuben (Doris) Northway; sister, Marian Aleckson; and by many other relatives and friends.
Dear Jean, Robert, David and your families,
As a chaplain at the Princeton Elim Home for several years, I had the privilege of knowing both your mom and dad. They were beautiful people who loved the Lord and showed it in their kindness to everyone. All the staff at Sky View will also grieve with you, but not without hope, as the Apostle Paul said. It is comforting to think of Mel & Bonnie together with The Lord. May God give you His peace at this difficult time.
Chaplain John
Thinking of all of you; Robert, Jean and David at this sad time. Our family was so lucky to have you as neighbors across the street! Bonnie was sweet and kind, always had a smile for us after school and something yummy baked that was just out of the oven. They were both wonderful friends of my parents and my Mom Ardys expresses her sympathy also. We mourn the passing of a beloved couple.