Bonnie Huff

Minot

Bonnie RoseLynn Stroklund Huff was born June 2, 1940, the daughter of Chester and Majorie (Rose) Stroklund and departed this world while holding her daughters’ hands on January 7, 2026.

Bonnie was raised on the family farm near Donnybrook. She was the only daughter and oldest child of a close-knit family.

She graduated salutatorian at Donnybrook High School which awarded her a scholarship to attend college. Higher education was put on hold when she struck up a friendship with a handsome Navy veteran, Thomas Huff, Sr., who upon returning home from WWII, signed on with the Great Northern Railroad. Tom and Bonnie were married on September 20, 1958. They were married for 55 years before his passing on April 22, 2013.

Being the wife of a depot agent required moving to a number of small towns in North Dakota and eastern Montana. Bonnie was happiest when they landed in Rolla where for the first time she had running water and reliable central heat.

Rolla is where Tom and Bonnie raised all but their youngest child. She kept alive fond memories of the children’s many activities, particularly Class B Basketball where her much-adored only son played center on a state tournament team.

Bonnie and Tom’s last railroad stop was Minot in 1982 where Bonnie lived until recent bad health required a move to a Bismarck nursing home.

At her core, Bonnie was a mother. She raised her children, and many others in one of several of her home daycare centers. The children entrusted to her usually became family. She always looked forward to hearing what “her kids” were doing once they flew her nest.

Bonnie found an outlet for her business savvy when she opened a furniture store in Rolla. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed creating home interiors and conversing with customers.

Bonnie slowly accepted Minot as home. She was a county girl at heart who considered Minot a city “too busy” for her.

She achieved a lifelong dream when she purchased a log cabin a few miles from her parents’ farm. She happily resided there part-time until failing health resulted in her giving her cabin in the woods to her son.

Home and family were sacred to her. Her four children were her reason for being. The sacrifices made for them were innumerable and their lives her greatest source of pride.

She will be remembered as a woman of many talents most of which were channeled for the benefit of her family.

Her superpower was as a grandma. She was besotted with each child. Given her choice of anything she could do, at the top of her list was rocking one of her babies.

Her family was blessed to have had Bonnie as a central figure in their lives. As she loved us, we loved her. Her memory will live on in grateful hearts.

Her loving family includes: children, Tom Jr. (Gloria Burner) Huff, Tamara (Steve Towle) Huff, Sandi (Scott) Renfandt, Holly Metz; grandchildren, Grant (Maggie) Huff, Mariah (Dylan) Braash, Madison (Michael) Grant, Ethan Renfandt, Evan Renfandt, Colin Renfandt, Hunter (Alexandra) Huff Towle, Luke (MicKenzie) Huff Towle, William Huff Towle, Elliot Metz; great-grandchildren, Jett Huff, Kenna Huff, Ellie Huff, Blake Grant, Elle Grant, Bennett Braash, Baylor Braash, Ruth Huff Towle, Eve Huff Towle; brothers, Dick (Angie) Stroklund, Jerald (Terry) Stroklund, Lee (Cori) Stroklund, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 55 years, Tom Sr.; infant twin sons, Brian and Blain; daughter-in-law, Eleanor Gorseth Huff.

Bonnie was a sharp dresser who loved bright colors, especially pink and red, and who never met a rhinestone or sequin she didn’t admire. For those attending her funeral, if they wish, please wear something that sparkles for Bonnie. Dust off your tiara if you have one.

Funeral: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Fellowship: Following the service, please join the family in Augustana Hall for a meal and fellowship.

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND at 1:30 pm.

Visitation: Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 12, 2026.