Bonnie Behring,

December 3, 1933 - August 26, 2020

Service: A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Canton Lutheran Church, Canton, SD. A time of food and fellowship will take place after the service in picnic shelters 3 & 4 at Newton Hills State Park.

Bonnie Behring passed away peacefully at her home in Mesa, AZ, on August 26th, 2020.  Bonnie was born in Belfield, ND on December 3rd, 1933 to Paul and Olivia Matteson.  She was 86.

She graduated from Augustana Academy in 1951, and married Daniel Behring the next day on May 26th, 1951.  Together for 61 years, they raised five children.  They enjoyed camping, and upon Daniel’s retirement, they chose to serve in various South Dakota campgrounds as campground hosts and volunteers. They treasured their time at Custer State Park the most, as this is where they honeymooned.

Bonnie enjoyed many hobbies in her life including knitting and cooking—even creating a cookbook for her family. Bonnie’s greatest joy was being a mother and homemaker.  She was an exceptional mother and cherished every moment with her family.  She instilled in them positivity, strength, and a zest for life. She was their greatest cheerleader.

Bonnie was a loving wife, mother, foster mother, grandma, bonus grandma, great-grandma, aunt, friend and so much more.  If a neighbor were ailing, she would often bring them soup and cookies and lend a helping hand.  She was a great listener and would often offer words of encouragement.  Her life mottos were “it’s all good” and “live with gratitude.” She would always comment how thankful she was for her family.  Many have been honored with her kindness.

Bonnie was proceeded in death by her beloved husband Daniel, her son Mark, two brothers, and three sisters.

Bonnie will forever be loved and remembered by her son John (Shari), CA, Dale (Kris), IA, Tabitha (David), SD, Karen (Alan), AZ, and brother James (Karen), AZ.  Bonnie and Dan had 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

                A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m.  Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Canton Lutheran Church, Canton, SD.  A time of food and fellowship will take place after the service in picnic shelters 3 & 4 at Newton Hills State Park.

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  1. Tom and Frances Winter on August 28, 2020 said:

    I will miss you so much and my sympathies to your children and grandchildren’ A life well lived and many memories of love, support, joy, good times, smiles, lefsa and buns, hugs, knitting and camping. I often think of the holidays at Moms with all the women working in the kitchen getting the food ready to serve and then cleaning up and all the laughing and joy we had. I know that sounds silly but we did have fun. Daniel was a great brother and he picked a great wife, Thank you Bonnie for all your love and smiles.

  2. Steve and Linda Isleib on August 28, 2020 said:

    Dear Tabby, David and Family,
    Our sympathy to you at this time of loss. Hold close all the great memories you have. You are in our prayers. Steve and Linda Isleib

  3. Amy Ostrem Vandenhoek on August 28, 2020 said:

    Bonnie, you are absolutely one of my favorite people in the universe! I am a better person for having known you and am proud to be able to call you my friend. Thank you for sharing your skills with me, they were definitely put to good use but moreso, your words of wisdom…oh my…treasures. My heart goes out to your family, much much love. Amy