Archie Sylvester Bonnett Jr., 68, Magnolia, died Thursday, July 11, 2019, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the result of complications from multiple brain tumors diagnosed recently.
A funeral service was Monday, July 15, at the Luverne United Methodist Church. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Archie Bonnett Jr. was born on Sept. 23, 1950, to Archie Sr. and Thelma (Aanenson) Bonnett in Luverne. He grew up on the family farm south of Magnolia. When Archie was nine months old, his mother died as the result of endocarditis. Archie was raised by his father, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and others in the community. He attended school in town and graduated from Magnolia High School in 1968. He then completed the automotive program at the Pipestone Vocational and Technical Institute in Pipestone. Archie returned to his home and began farming alongside his father.
On Sept. 26, 1970, Archie married Roxy Cross at the Magnolia United Methodist Church. The couple made their home on the Bonnett family farm. In 1972 Archie’s father died and he took over the farming operation. He loved all of the animals on the farm, but he especially loved his horses and dogs. In addition to farming, Archie picked up various jobs throughout the area. In 1974, he began his automotive career with Schoon Motors, which later became Papik Motors. In 2018 Archie took a part-time position with Manley Tire in Manley, South Dakota.
Archie was a member of the Magnolia United Methodist Church. He enjoyed his weekly ritual of making homemade pizzas, often for the neighbors. He loved riding and caring for his horses and made annual trips out to the Black Hills of South Dakota. He especially loved spending time with his family.
Archie is survived by his wife, Roxy; three children, Thelma “Bunny” (Ronald) Loose of Little Rock, Iowa, Jamie (Annie) Bonnett of Luverne, and Marty (Lindsey) Bonnett of Magnolia; eight grandchildren, Madeline DeBeer (fiancé, Mitch Leuthold), Ellie Loose, Payne Bonnett, Brody Bonnett, Morgan Bonnett, Ayden Bonnett, Cash Bonnett and Caul Bonnett; a sister, Nancy Wiertzema of Luverne; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.
Memorials may be directed to the Magnolia United Methodist Church or the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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