Bonnie Vendsel

Olympia, Wash.

Bonnie Vendsel, age 70, of Olympia WA, passed away on May 29, 2024. She was born on July 22, 1953 along with her twin sister, Brenda, to Dale and Jean (Whetter) Vendsel. Bonnie graduated from Lansford High School in 1971, and later from Akers Business College of Grand Forks, ND. She was selected to work for US Government in an administrative position for the FBI in Washington DC which she accepted. She appreciated the experience but missed her family and friends from the Midwest. Bonnie moved to the Twin Cities and received her masters in Social Work and a Masters of Professional Studies in Addictions. She worked for MN Correctional Facility and expanded her career as a Substance Abuse Counselor. Bonnie relocated to Olympia WA where she retired. She enjoyed her winters in Mexico and remaining seasons in WA. Bonnie was an avid runner and participated in many marathons across the country. She loved the outdoors and challenged herself with hiking, biking, kayaking and whatever other actvities she dared to do. Accompanying Bonnie on her walks and travels was her companion and pet dog, Maggie. She took pride in her abilities and health. When her health took an unexpected turn while in Mexico of 2024 she came back to WA for care. Bonnie was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Bonnie could not compete with the challenge of this condition and passed away peacefully.

Bonnie is survived by her siblings: Virginia (Don) LaHaye, Champlin, MN, Vicki (Keith) Hall, Upham ND, James (Connie) Vendsel, Lansford ND, and Jerry (Lisa) Vendsel, Minot ND, and close friend Laura Hjelm and her family, Olympia WA. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister, Brenda Nelson.

There will be a private family burial at the Grano Cemetery at a later date.

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 4, 2024.