Bonnie Lou McConnell

Bonnie Lou Nelson (McConnell), 87, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband, Roneal Frank McConnell, and two of her children: Cynthia Kondrk and David McConnell. Bonnie is survived by sons Douglas, Rick and Tim.

Bonnie was born on a summer's eve, just before midnight, Friday, August 31st, 1934 at Wahoo hospital in Wahoo, Nebraska. Her twin, Betty, was born a few minutes later on September 1st, 1934. Due to a mistake by the wet nurse, Betty was listed first on the birth certificates.

Bonnie was born to parents Henry Nelson, aged 30 years and Ida (nee Wedberg) Nelson, aged 28.

Bonnie grew up on an 80 acre farm outside Ceresco, Nebraska, with her twin sister Betty and younger sister Eileen (b. April 6, 1936)

Bonnie started reading at about age 4, starting a lifelong love affair with books. She read voraciously whenever possible. Her love of reading positively reflected on her own children: Cynthia, David, Douglas, Rick and Timothy.

Bonnie graduated in 1951 with Honors from Ceresco High School: She was Salutatorian.

At age 18, Bonnie entered the hallowed halls of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Initially, she wanted to pursue a degree in biology or zoology. During her first year she realized that a career in nursing would be more realistic and profitable. So, from her Sophomore year on, Bonnie attended Nebraska's School of Nursing in Omaha. She obtained her B.S. in nursing and graduated in 1956.

Bonnie Lou Nelson met Ronald Frank McConnell on a blind date set up by Betty's boyfriend Willard CarPer, in September of 1956. They went to the Harvest Ball. There was an immediate attraction and they met again at Willard and Betty's wedding, on November 11, 1956. Several months later, on May 4, 1957, Bonnie Lou Nelson married Ronald Frank McConnell in Caledonia, Minnesota.

Ron was transferred to Selfridge AFB in Michigan in 1960. Bonnie found employment right away at Mt. Clemens General Hospital, where she would work for the next 29 years. She received Nurse of the Year Honors for 1986.

Bonnie continued working at Mt Clemens General until 1989, when Ron retired from the Civil Service. At this time, they sold their home on Medville and bought a house in Crossville, Tennessee (at Fairfield Glade). After setting in, Bonnie found employment at Cumberland Hospital, where she worked for 6 years.

It was during this time that Bonnie and Ron discovered their love of RVing. By the year 1996, they had grown weary of home ownership and Tennessee in general, Ron bought a 34 foot Pace Arrow, they sold the home and hit the road.

Ron and Bonnie stayed in the Pace Arrow as their only residence for 3 years, exploring the entire country during this time. One summer they ventured all the way to Boston, and also stayed in New Jersey to visit with Cynthia and John Kondrk.

One of their trips brought them to El Mirage, Arizona and the premier Roberts Resort, Pueblo El Mirage. In 1999, Ron and Bonnie bought their final home and set it on Lot# 718 at Pueblo El Mirage (the back wall).

Bonnie lived a long and fulfilling life, and will be dearly missed.