Obituaries 10/05/23
Jerald Bonstrom, 78
Jerald “Jerry” Vernon Bonstrom was born in Buffalo, MN on June 19, 1945, to LaVerne (Behneke) and Vernon Bonstrom. He died on September 27, 2023, in Roseville, MN.
Jerry attended Buffalo schools and as a child learned to play piano and eventually the organ, which became a lifelong passion that upheld the legacy of his musically gifted family. After high school, he enrolled in St. Cloud State University where he received a degree in Vocal Music Education.
Following college graduation, Jerry was drafted into the Army and completed basic training at Fort Campbell, KY. His military occupation specialty was Army Bandsman, Piano. During his two years in the Army, he spent time at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs before returning to Fort Campbell as a member of the 81st Army Band.
After his military service, Jerry put his teaching degree to use and spent the better part of two decades teaching vocal music to Junior and Senior High School students in North St. Paul-Maplewood as well as students in two parochial grade schools.
In 1986, Jerry joined the Hennepin County Library system where he expanded his education in Library Science and held Librarian positions at Brookdale and Minneapolis Central, where he worked until his retirement in December 2020.
Throughout his life, in addition to being a librarian and teacher, Jerry shared his gift of music with various Twin City churches where he served as Choir Director and Organist.
Jerry was a trailblazer in healthy living and exercised daily by walking and swimming. He enjoyed traveling and had a passion for cars.
Jerry is survived by his sister, Jeanne (J. David) Dixon; nieces, Wendy (Doug), Tracy (Bob), Kelly (Giles) and Cami (Neil); great-nephews, Elijah, Benjamin, Rio, and Vahn; and numerous friends and colleagues.
Funeral Services for Jerry will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Buffalo with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Jerry’s honor to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Music Ministries.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Morris Hoekstra, 89
Morris Jay Hoekstra of Sherman, Texas, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023. He was born May 5, 1934, raised on a farm in Maple Lake, Minnesota. And though he spent many years in Minnesota, the majority of his adult life was lived out in Texas. He was the 6th and last son born to Jake and Fanny Hoekstra (Dalman). Morris attended Annandale public schools, graduating in May of 1952. On November 14,1952 he married his high school sweetheart, Myrna Mary Schut. They were married at the Silver Creek Reformed Church by Rev. Henry Zylstra. Morris and Myrna had five children: Jerry, Bruce, Lu Ann, Randy and Bonnie.
In his younger days Morris had a deep love of traveling, which was done by car, motor home, cruise ship, and motorcycle. He loved gospel quartet music and always enjoyed a good gospel concert. And though he will be missed by his earthy family, he has many family members he has joined in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Morris Jay Hoekstra was preceded in death by his parents, his five brothers, his son (Jerry), two granddaughters (Amy and April Graf), and three great-grandsons (Isaiah Hodgson, Andrew Hodgson, Owen Graf).
Morris is survived by his wife Myrna; daughter in law, Zelina Hoekstra; son, Bruce Hoekstra; daughter, Lu Ann Graf (Samuel); son, Randy Hoekstra (Diana); and daughter, Bonnie Davis (Scott). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.
As per Morris’ request, his body has been donated for research and education to the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School. Services are pending.
Notes and cards of condolences can be sent to Myrna Hoekstra at 4604 Woodlawn Rd., Sherman, TX 75090.