Bonnie Brodin

On May 22nd 2014, Bonnie Jean Brodin (Rendulich), age 67, of North Branch, went to be with the Lord ending her courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. She left us peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband Larry, daughter Heather (Joel) Brodin-Olson, and son Erik (Brenna) Brodin, grandchildren Brady and Macy Brodin and Lauren Olson.

Bonnie was born in Duluth MN, graduated from Morgan Park High School, and attended the University of Nebraska. She worked as a medical secretary for various clinics for 45 years while raising a family and relocating to several cities. Always seeking new horizons, Bonnie traveled to Europe several times, camped the Midwest, and explored her many gardens. An entrepreneur in the craft industry for 20+ years she designed and sold personalized clothing, bunnies, and scarves. In addition she was an artist, decorator, landscaper/garden designer, and art guild member. She was active in the North Branch Golf League, Holiday Rambler RV Group, charity walks/runs, and the family genealogist.

Bonnie was a youth sports fan, super shopper, professional QVC’er, and antique hunter. At certain times in her life she was a rollerblader, downhill skier, cross-country skier, and runner. Bonnie was known as the “Energizer Bonnie” attending as many baseball, softball, gymnastics, dance, and basketball events that her schedule would allow (even when she was battling cancer). Always positive and bubbly, she was the family Cruise Director, doll cake designer, cookie maker, oatmeal bread and sweet roll baker, cookbook designer, Donut Queen, cat lover, and dog sitter. Through her generocity, she gave us love, laughter, happiness, and many gifts. She is now in her heavenly garden growing rays of sunshine. Bonnie was preceded in death by her father Rudy Rendulich and nephew Brian Salminen.

She is additionally survived by her mother Lil Rendulich; sisters Carole (Gene) McElderry, JoAnna (Doug) Salminen, and Sue Rendulich; niece (Stephanie); nephews (Ryan, Tyler, Josh, Jeff, Jake); many wonderful friends, neighbors, and special kitties (Freddie and Pansy). Visitation to be held at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch MN Saturday, June 7 10-11:30 with a Memorial Service to follow. Reception to follow service at Sunrise Bible Church in Sunrise MN at 1pm. Memorial donations can be made to “Harbor Room @ Cambridge Medical Center” for cancer patients. Family internment will be at Oneota Cemetery in Duluth MN. Grandstrand Funeral Home is handling arrangements, 651-674-4444, grandstrandfh.com