Hilma Bonow

"Asleep in Jesus, Awake in Paradise"......, on Saturday, January 27th, 2018, after 100 years of God's loving guidance here on earth, Hilma Bonow has now received her crown of everlasting life bestowed on her by Jesus our Savior. Hilma entered this world 100 years ago last September 26th, the second of five children born to John and Helene (Mueller) Burfeind of rural Lewiston, MN. She was reborn through Holy Baptism, confirmed in her Christian faith, and married to her husband of 51 years, Arnold Bonow, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lewiston (Silo) MN. Shortly after their marriage Arnold and Hilma joined and became faithful active members of St. John's Lutheran Congregation in Lewiston. By God's grace Hilma was given the joyful task of becoming the mother of six children, - Richard, Willis, Marilyn, Charles, Steven, and Janice. Together with Arnold, Hilma was intent on raising her children to know and believe there is nothing greater than God's love for them in Jesus our Lord. Fully aware of her own need for a Savior from her wrongs and misdeeds, Hilma continued to demonstrate to her family and friends the love of a grateful servant to her gracious Master. This service was displayed in her church as an active member of St. John's Ladies Aid, Lutheran Women's Mission Society, and various duties involved with the Parent Teacher League of St. John's School. She was also active in leadership roles of the Lewiston Wonder Workers 4-H club, and also a member of the Lewiston Homemakers Club and OWLS. Besides working alongside her husband on the farm to provide for their family, Hilma also sought and found useful employment outside their home, and through the years worked at Leaf's Laundry, Winona, and also Rush Products and Camera Art, Lewiston.

Hilma is survived by four of her children, Marilyn Wachholz and Charles (Sandra) Bonow of Lewiston, Steven Bonow and Janice Meilander of Rochester, MN, two daughters in law, Sandi Bonow, Eyota, MN, and Karen Bonow, Lewiston, 17 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 17 great, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arnold, two brothers, Edwin and Carl Burfeind, and their wives, Marie and Evelyn respectively, one sister Verona Kinsley, and her husband Norbert, an infant brother, John, two sons, Richard and Willis, two sons-in-law, Wayne Wachholz and John Meilander, a grandson Scott Bonow, and a great great grandson, Trenton Krusmark.
A service of Christian burial for Hilma will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 2, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lewiston with Pastor Michael A. Lindemann and Pastor Paul Kuckhahn officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be held in St. John's cemetery following the service. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Tracy, Randy, Joseph, Jared, and Robert Bonow, Bruce Wachholz, and honorary pall bearer, Matt Meilander.
Special thanks and gratitude are extended to Pastors Lindemann, Kuckhahn, and retired Pastor Fischer for their spiritual care through the past many years. Also a huge thank you to the loving and supportive staff of Speltz Estates for all their work and efforts of providing for Hilma a place of residence for several years which she was happy and proud to call her home.
Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Hilma and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.