Bonita "Bonnie" Anderson

On Monday, December 13, 2021, Bonita (Bonnie) Joan Anderson, surrounded by her family singing hymns, peacefully took her last breath at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. For over 16 years she bravely battled cancer. Due to increasing health complications, her health took a recent turn for the worse. Her courage and trust in the LORD’s will for her life inspired all who knew her. She trusted Jesus years ago as her Savior and served Him faithfully. We have peace knowing she is with her LORD and loved ones in heaven.

Bonnie was born on October 12, 1942, in Osakis, Minnesota on her beloved grandma and grandpa Olson’s farm. She married the love of her life, Norman C. Anderson on July 11, 1959, in Alexandria, MN. Their first home was in Wyoming, where Norm worked in a uranium mine. When the mine closed, they returned to Minneapolis, MN where she worked at Maurice L Rothchild Young Quinlan for six years while Norm worked in the ornamental iron business. They moved west in 1965 where they resided in Spokane for a few years, then Coeur d' Alene for a few years before establishing their home in Post Falls in 1972. She was actively involved in the family business, Anderson Iron Works, as the bookkeeper. In 1988 she received her Master’s in Speech Pathology and worked at St Luke’s, Sacred Heart, and home health in Sandpoint.

Bonnie belonged to Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years making many lifelong friends. She was also involved in the Cocolalla Lake Association, and over thirty years in Bible Study Fellowship. She loved the Lord and enjoyed teaching a ladies Sunday School Class at the River of Life Friends Church. The church family and Pastor Mike were very dear to her. She also enjoyed working in the woods at their lake home in Cocolalla, gardening, reading, and loving on her children and grandchildren.

Bonnie was a loving wife to Norm, and they especially enjoyed traveling, camping, and being with family and friends. Bonnie and Norm raised three daughters who are grateful for the love, kindness, and nurturing their mother blessed them with. Bonnie was “Gramie” to her grandchildren and she found so much joy in them, and they loved her dearly. She was often reading books to them, buying thoughtful gifts, playing card games, eating cheeseburgers and shakes, and just spending time with them. Bonnie was a loving encouraging person who loved sending cards and making phone calls. She always set a beautiful table and loved wrapping gifts in a special way. She had a large group of friends who she cherished. Her love for God, her family, and others was incredible. Certainly, hers was a life well lived.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents John and Marie Olson, and Ole and Julia Vangstad; her parents John and Doris Vangstad; her godparents Reuben and Lila Ahlstedt; beloved Cousin Don Ahlstedt; and many wonderful aunts and uncles.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 62 years 5 months and 2 days Norm; children Lisa (Con) Paulos of Jerome, ID; Amy (Jon) Holland of Knoxville, TN; and Beth (Seth) Hohenstreet of Post Falls, ID. Her precious grandchildren Alexandra (Allen) Ulrich, Naomi Holland, and James, Stephen, Grace, and Anna Hohenstreet; and great-granddaughter Eleanor Ulrich. Also, an added blessing later in life were her step-grandchildren, Nicole (Brice) Rutledge, Christina Paulos, Costa (Ashley) Paulos, and great grandchildren Taylor, Jolee, Emma, and Gus. Bonnie is also survived by her dear brothers and their wives Jack (Pat) Vangstad of Osakis, MN; and Mike (Annie) Vangstad of Alexandria, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her aunts Ruby Maus and Gloria Didier. She was blessed to have so many wonderful and caring friends. Especially close to her was her dear friend Laura Stowe, as well as her Beta Sisters, her church friends, her monthly Thursday lunch ladies’ group, and her fun dominos group.

There will be a viewing at English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls on Thursday, December 16th from 5-7 pm. Her funeral service will be held Friday, December 17th at River of Life Friends Church on 12th Ave in Post Falls at 10 am.

We love you and will miss your wonderful presence in our lives but are happy you are with Jesus.