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Longtime local horseman honored with one last ride

Lead Summary
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By
Mavis Fodness

Archie Bonnett received a tribute fitting a horseman Monday morning when his son, Marty, led a four-horse procession to Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
The riderless horse was Archie’s 22-year-old Appaloosa mare, Hannah, which he raised from a foal.
On her back was Archie’s saddle and she led the funeral procession from the United Methodist Church on Main Street Luverne to Maplewood Cemetery on Warren Street.
The horses entered the cemetery leading the hearse with ready attitudes and alert expressions.
Archie died July 11, three weeks after a multiple brain tumor diagnosis. He last rode his horse on a trail ride three weeks ago.
Monday’s riderless horse honored the third generation of Bonnetts who bred and raised pleasure horses.
Marty’s mom, Roxy, suggested that nephew Scott Wiertzema and friend Wyatt Fey accompany him on horseback on the 12-block ride to the cemetery.
The tribute brought traffic to a stop along the route with many stopping their work and removing their hats out of respect for the funeral procession.
“My dad would have been proud,” Marty said.
The full obituary appears on page 7A.

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