Bonnie V. McNelis

Bonnie V. McNelis, of Lakeville, died December 19 after a struggle with cancer. Born on October 4, 1938 in Detroit Lakes, MN, she graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1956 . Bonnie attended Saint Cloud State University where she graduated with a degree in English and Spanish in 1960. She embarked on her 35 year teaching career in Lakeville with her husband Dennis before going to work
for the Burnsville School District teaching at both Metcalf and Nicollet Junior High Schools. An enthusiastic and dedicated teacher, she encouraged and shared her love of writing and books with countless students over the years. Many of her countless former students to this day recall studying and learning to love “The Miracle Worker”. Upon her retirement, Bonnie and Dennis enjoyed traveling and divided their time between Lakeville, Destin, FL, and their beloved lake home in Nevis, Minnesota.

She was a strong and gentle woman who led by example. Memorial Mass will be held 11AM on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke
Ave., Lakeville with a gathering of family and friends 5-8 Wed (12/21) at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Tr., Lakeville and 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Lakeville, MN. Memorials preferred to Headwaters Animal Shelter in Park Rapids, MN or The Special Olympics. White Funeral Home Lakeville 952-469-2723 www.whitefuneralhomes.com