Obituary: Bjerkestrand, Bonnie Amy
Age 85
(Newton)
Bonnie Amy (Newton) Bjerkestrand was born March 15, 1927 in Seattle, WA to Roy and Blanche Newton and died April 5, 2012 in Spokane, WA.
She was 85 years old.
Bonnie grew up around Green Lake, Bothell and Poulsbo, WA.
Her father was a street car operator and her mother worked at the Seattle Union Gospel Mission.
With the support of her Aunt Amy Stickney she graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1945, and moved to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific College.
While attending SPC she met her future husband Al Bjerkestrand.
In 1951 Bonnie graduated from SPC with a degree in Sociology and married Al.
During their 61 year marriage Bonnie and Al lived in Parkland and Olympia, WA; Minneapolis, MN; Coeur d’ Alene, ID; Valier, MT; Edison and Spokane, WA; Saginaw, MI; and Ellensburg, WA; before settling back in Spokane in 1981.
Over the years Bonnie was a housewife, social worker for Child Protective Services, and a 19 year employee of Employment Security.
She and Al had four children: Joy (Tim), Lowell (Lynn), Wray (Merrily), Mark (Heidi); 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Bonnie was an active person who liked to walk, workout, bike ride, and jog.
She was a gracious hostess, Pastor’s wife, mom and grandma.
Her positive attitude will be missed.
Bonnie loved Starbucks, Nordstroms, and bright rooms!
She was an active supporter of her children and grandchildren.
It was unusual when you did not get a positive comment, hug and/or “I love you” from Bonnie.
She is survived by her husband Al, four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, brother Richard Newton (Diana), and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Don, George, Claude Newton; and sisters Marjorie Midkiff and Roberta Anderson.
The family would like to thank: Dr. M. Bergman, Dr. M. Hixon, their staffs, the Pastors of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, North Park Racquet Club, “Y” Starbucks, Nordstrom’s Cafe, and Horizon Hospice.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 13, at 11:00am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church located at 24th & Grand.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran, Seattle Pacific University, or Cancer Care Northwest.