Bonita "Bonnie" Dolney

Bonita "Bonnie" Dolney, 86, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at Bethesda Home in Webster.

Memorial services will be 11:00 am Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Inurnment will be at the Bristol Cemetery at a later date. 

Bonita Joy (Huwe) Dolney, lovingly known as Bonnie, was born on September 20, 1938, in Bristol, South Dakota, to Burton and Joyce (Kjosa) Huwe. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol. Bonnie graduated from Bristol High School in May 1956 and went on to attend and graduate from the Humboldt Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 20, 1956. She then worked for the Navy Department in Arlington, Virginia.

On July 27, 1957, Bonnie married the love of her life, Edmund “George” Dolney, in Bristol, South Dakota. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. They lived in Willmar, Minnesota; Hector, Minnesota; and Svea, Minnesota. They were active members of Svea Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church of Hector. In 1990, Bonnie and George returned to Bristol, South Dakota, and once again devoted themselves to Bethesda Lutheran Church.

Bonnie worked tirelessly in the nursing profession as a Certified Nursing Assistant(CNA) and Medication Aide for 12 years. She also worked at Bethesda Nursing Home in Webster, South Dakota, and at Bristol School for four years. Over the years, she held various other roles, always serving her community with dedication and compassion.

A woman of boundless energy and a deep sense of service, Bonnie was involved in numerous organizations. She was an active member of Bethesda Lutheran Church and its WELCA (serving as both secretary and president), the Evening Star Group, Octavo Study Group, Huwe Family Singers, Bristol Area Development Corporation, Bristol Senior Citizens, RSVP Club, Legion Auxiliary, Red Hats, and Bible Belles. She also served on the Sun Dial Board, contributing her time and talents to countless causes.

Bonnie cherished her family above all else. She found joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren, sewing beautiful quilts, reading, solving puzzles, traveling, taking photographs, and enjoying time at the lake. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her in everything she did.

Bonnie is survived by her sister-in-law, Pat Huwe of Auburn, WA; four children: Brenda Bohlin-Fischgrabe (Dru) of Waubay, SD; Denise Stewart (Paul Cicmil) of Fridley, MN; Geoff Dolney (Nettie) of Hutchinson, MN; and Mark Dolney of Hector,MN; as well as twelve grandchildren: Jaime Augeson, Jodie Michelson (Marcus Seetram), Matthew Fischgrabe, Christian Stewart (Margie Talines), SaraJo Metros (Marcus), Josie Rogers (Tanner), Jessica Dolney, Emma Dolney (Cole Nelson), Sammy Wray (Bryan), Cody Lind (Ashlee Haas), Gabby Lind (Derak Hawes), and Cassandra Byrne (Ryan). She is survived by her great-grandchildren: Riley Haas (Marisol), Peyton Sing (Stephen Wolf), Jackson Guza, Everly Rogers, Ava Rogers, and Conrad Nelson. She is also survived by her 3 great, great grandchildren: Emelia Haas, Ryder Wolf, and Hazyel Wolf as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Burton and Joyce Huwe; her husband, Edmund “George” Dolney; her son, Mark Edmund Dolney; and her brother, Larry Huwe.

Bonnie’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith, love for her family, and commitment to her community. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her.