Arlene M. Bonnesen, 97, died, Feb. 11, 2024, at Wapello Specialty Care Nursing Home in Wapello.
Arlene was born May 3, 1927, to Arthur “A.J” and Veronica Christensen. After graduating from Otho High School in 1945, she joined the Army Nurse Corp. where she obtained her nursing degree. Arlene then married her high school sweetheart Lloyd Bonnesen on July 5, 1947, in Fort Dodge.
Arlene was a faithful wife and devoted mother to her three children, Keith, Joe, and Cathy. She moved with her husband and family from Fort Dodge a few times until remaining in the Wapello area. Arlene enjoyed her nursing career, which spanned over 40 years, traveling, gardening, and time spent with her family.
She is survived by her three children; Keith Bonnesen and Joseph (Carol) Bonnesen both of Wapello and Catherine (Mike) Walker of Wilton; grandchildren, Jeremy, Joseph, Chris Ann, Brad, Brett and Kim; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Kyler, Jaylee, Taylor, Riley, Brayden, A.J., Archer, Abram, Drew, Ty. Alexis, Aiden, Allana, Zachary, Cora, Hadley, Lucas, and Katelyn; great-great-grandchildren, Maci, Lilli, and Daphni; brothers, Paul (Beth) Christensen, Mike (Karen) Christensen, Terry (Linda) Christensen and Carl (Elizabeth) Christensen; sisters, Catherine (Bruce) Welchel and Christine (Frank) Collie and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson Jon, one granddaughter Mindy, great-grandchildren Dahlia and Elliott, five sisters, Patricia Christensen, Jody Condon, Theresa Harris, Margie Welchel, and Mary Fuller, two brothers, Bill Christensen and Phillip Christensen and daughter-in-law Vicki Bonnesen.
The memorial mass for Mrs. Bonnesen will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 21 at St. John Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Parish. The Rev. Father Dominic Nguyen will be the celebrant. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be held at a later date in Parsons Cemetery, rural Wapello.
A memorial has been established for Wapello Specialty Care.
According to her wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.