Bonnie Lucille Kurzenberger

Submitted Story

Published: Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Bonnie Lucille (Olson) Kurzenberger was born March 21, 1933, in Custer, S.D., to Harry and Alma Olson. She grew up in Custer with five brothers and four sisters.  She married Norval Dean Kurzenberger, Sr. on Oct 15, 1950, and helped raise his two daughters. Together they had 12 more children. They lived in Custer for awhile and then they moved to Englewood, S.D., and lived there for two years, then moved to Terryville, S.D., and lived there until 1972 when they purchased a house in Lead, S.D.  She was a member of the Lead Auxiliary. After retirement they moved to Whitewood, S.D., then moved to Belle Fourche, S.D., where she lived until her passing. She worked at South Park Elementary School for awhile and enjoyed spending time with the children there.  She was an active member of the Moose Lodge in Belle Fourche and served as Senior Regent. She enjoyed fishing, dancing, playing bingo and playing cribbage. She loved her family the most and liked to have her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her as much as possible. Anyone who knew her could tell she was a special person and just being around her brought joy into many lives.   Bonnie died Sunday, May 24, 2009, at her home in Belle Fourche following a brief struggle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sister, Pheniah (Cork) Metz, and four brothers, Charles Olson, Art Olson, Lee Olson and George Olson. Survivors include a brother, Robert (Helen) Olson of Texas; three sisters, Sharon Sherwood (Tim Cleveland) of Belle Fourche, Geneal Lipp of Spearfish, S.D., and Lillian Gould of Newcastle, Wyo.;14 children, Doris Herra of Kellogg, Idaho, Deloris Starr (Bill Loar) of Custer, Carla (Dallas) Michalek, Lower Brule, S.D., Terry Kurzenberger of Federal Way, Wash., Kerry (Pam) Kurzenberger of Helper, Utah, Jamie (Bernard) Kortuem of Spearfish, Bonnie Jean Kurzenberger, Mary (John) Roberts, Roberta (Bill) Kester, Norval Kurzenberger Jr, Donnie (Karen) Kurzenberger, Rockey Kurzen-berger, William (Jolene Droppers) Kurzenberger and Sherry Wallner, all of Belle Fourche; 39 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. There will be no visitation. Her body was cremated. A ceremonial tribute will be held at 11 a.m. May 29 at the Belle Fourche Moose Lodge with Chaplain Charlie Conger officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D. Family and friends may leave written condolences at www.klinefuneralchapel.com.