Funeral services for Archie Sylvester Bonnett, JR were held Monday, July 15, 2019 at United Methodist Church in Luverne, MN. Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Archie was born on September 23, 1950 to Archie, Sr. and Thelma (Aanenson) Bonnett in Luverne, and grew up on the family farm south of Magnolia, MN. At the age of nine months, Archie’s mom died as a result of Endocarditis. He was raised by his dad, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and others in the community. Archie attended school in town and graduated from Magnolia High School in 1968. He then attended the Pipestone Vocation and Technical Institute in Pipestone, MN and completed their automotive program. Archie then returned to his home and began farming alongside of his dad.
On September 26, 1970, Archie was united in marriage to Roxy Cross at the Magnolia United Methodist Church. The couple made their home on Archie’s family’s farm. In 1972, Archie’s dad died and he took over the farming operation. He loved all of the animals on the farm, but he especially loved his horses and dogs. In addition to farming, Archie was always busy picking up various jobs throughout the area. In 1974, he began his automotive career with Schoon Motors, which later became Papik Motors. He was a hard worker who also made sure his colleagues and customers were well cared for. In 2018, Archie took a part-time position with Manley Tire in Manley, SD. On Thursday, July 11, 2019, Archie died at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, as a result of complications from multiple brain tumors diagnosed recently at the age of 68 years, nine months and 18 days.
Archie was a devoted member of the Magnolia United Methodist Church. He enjoyed his weekly ritual of making homemade pizzas, which in earlier years turned into neighborhood get-togethers. He loved riding and caring for his horses and made annual trips out to the Black Hills of South Dakota. He especially loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as being welcoming to all and a prankster to many. His silly grin, wink and shrug of the shoulders will be missed, but never forgotten.
Archie is lovingly survived by his wife, Roxy; three children, Thelma “Bunny” (Ronald) Loose of Little Rock, IA, Jamie (Annie) Bonnett of Luverne, MN and Marty (Lindsey) Bonnett of Magnolia, MN; eight grandchildren; Madeline DeBeer (fiancé, Mitch Leuthold), Ellie Loose, Payne Bonnett, Brody Bonnett, Morgan Bonnett, Ayden Bonnett, Cash Bonnett and Caul Bonnett; sister, Nancy Wiertzema of Luverne, MN; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother. Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, MN assisted with the arrangements.
