Bonnie Rasmussen

Bonnie Lou Rasmussen of Maple Grove passed away at Ark on the River in Anoka on January 11th, 2026, at the age of 84. Bonnie was born on January 7th, 1942, in Barron, WI to Bill and June Avery. Bonnie grew up in Milltown, WI with brothers Jim and Chuck and then moved to Forest Lake, MN where she graduated high school.

Bonnie met John Rasmussen at a singles dance at the Thunderbird hotel in Bloomington in 1971. They married on June 8th, 1972, in Forrest Lake and moved into the home they built and shared for 53 years, creating a new home for their combined six children. Bonnie worked as a secretary at the Transportation Department for School District 279 for over 20 years.

John and Bonnie both retired at age 57 and found a love for travel. In particular, they enjoyed taking cruises to see and experience new places together. While on land, they traveled the country in their motor home and found a home away from home in Ft. Myers, Florida. For over 20 years, they dodged the Minnesota winters for Ft. Myers and enjoyed biking, darts, square dancing, bingo and bowling.

Bonnie was an avid volunteer and loved helping others. While spending her winters in Florida, she and John volunteered with Salvation Army, helping collect children’s Christmas toys. She also volunteered at the local library. While in Minnesota, she volunteered at the local CROSS food shelf for 24 years.

While her social calendars were always packed, Bonnie always made time for family and the activities they are involved in. She loved the summer family get-together with camping, boating and picnics. With her little down time, she enjoyed gardening and playing cards (Phase 10) and playing Mahjong at the Maple Grove Community Center.

Bonnie will also be remembered for her beautiful handwriting, endless list keeping, size 5 shoe, and her guilty pleasures of romance novels, Cheetos, and peanut M&M’s.

Survived by Children - Tim (Michelle) Rasmussen, Mike Larson, Jill Rasmussen, Debbie Holman (James Woodworth), Joel (Jill) Rasmussen and Jeff (Chrissy) Rasmussen. Grandchildren - Jacob (Kristina), Zachary (Trista), Annie (Ken), Meagan (Patrick), Joshua (Samantha), Jessica (Conley), Jeremiah (Mallory), Jamie (Jason), Ashley (Joe), Aaron, Kylie, Timmie, and Cookie. Great-Grandchildren - Jaxson, Taytum, Rowen, Alex, Ella, Allie, Shane, Sophia, Charlie, and Henry.

Brother Chuck (Louise) Avery (children Jennifer (Dave) Rands {Bridget and Megan} and Annette (Ted) Zehelein {Emily and Amanda}. Nephew Scott (Ginger) Avery {Karen}.

Sisters-in-law Helen Kieper (children Cathi, Pat and Dave) and Norma Leverson (children Erik and Sonja) and their families.

Proceeded in death by her husband John Rasmussen, her parents, brother Jim Avery, brother-in-law Jerry Leverson, and brother-in-law Bob Kieper

Bonnie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was always interested to hear how everyone was doing. We were blessed to be part of her family.

A special thank you to Donna Perron from Ark on the River. She provided Bonnie the most beautiful, caring, and comfortable home during her last week of life.

Services at Evans Nordby Funeral Home on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at 10am visitation 11am service, 6000 Brooklyn Center, MN 55429