Bonnie L. Gartzke, 82

Blue Earth – Bonnie Lynn Gartzke, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2025, at the age of 82, at the Mapleton Community Home. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, Rev. Dr. Jeanette Bidne officiated. Visitation was Monday, Feb. 10, at Patton Funeral Home. A private burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. 

Bonnie was born on Dec. 3, 1942, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Ronald and Gladys (Alfson) Willmert. She grew up in Frost where she was baptized, confirmed and married at the United Lutheran Church. She graduated from Frost High School in 1960.

Bonnie married the love of her life Harold “Duane” Gartzke on April 6, 1962, and for 34 years they owned Gartzke’s Blue Earth Greenhouse, a testament to their commitment to bringing beauty and joy to the lives of others. Bonnie created beautiful floral arrangements that celebrated love, joy, and life’s precious moments.

Bonnie was part of a close-knit family. She and her three sisters, affectionately known as the “Pigeon Sisters,” had an unbreakable bond that was nurtured through countless road trips and shared experiences.

An accomplished musician, Bonnie found joy in playing the piano and organ, sharing her talents with family and friends. Her love for games, particularly her enthusiasm for Bridge, was matched only by her passion for sports. Bonnie was the ultimate fan.

Above all, Bonnie cherished her role as a grandmother. She created lasting memories with her grandchildren, especially summers spent at the family cottage at Boyd Lodge. Bonnie was an exceptional cook and baker, and spoiled Duane to no end.

Traveling to the East Coast, Italy and Hawaii were some of her fondest memories. Each journey remained a cherished chapter of their lives together.

Bonnie will be deeply missed by her children: Shannon (Rick) Dickman of Blue Earth, Shelly (Ken) Kain of Mapleton and Mitch (Amy) Gartzke of Mankato. Bonnie was blessed with six grandchildren: Mary (Nick) Fiel, Morgan Dickman, Samuel (fiancé Abbie Larsen) Kain, Katherine Kain, Griffin Gartzke and Gus Gartzke. Bonnie is also remembered by her sisters: Lois Willmert and Kay (Larry) Lloyd, and sister-in-law: Eileen (Butch) Mensing; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Duane; sister, Joyce (Richard) Fraser; and Duane’s parents, Harold and Alice Gartzke.