Bonnie Bitzan

Bonnie L. Bitzan, 87, of Alexandria, Minnesota, died on Monday, November 23, 2020 at her home.  She was born on January 29, 1933 to George and Opal (Tibbits) Squier in Rudd, Iowa.

Bonnie grew up on the family farm in Nora Springs, Iowa along with her 14 siblings.  In 1940, the family moved to Osakis, Minnesota and then later to Nelson, Minnesota.  She attended school in Nelson.

Bonnie married Bernie Bitzan of Millerville in 1956. They resided in Alexandria and eventually settled near Lake Andrew with their seven children. They belonged to the Heartland Polka Swingers and Polka Lovers Klub of America.  Nearly every weekend they could be found on the dance floor whether it be around Alexandria or traveling throughout the state for polkafests in their motorhome.  For many years, they also danced at the MN State Fair.  Together they also enjoyed attending Concerts on the Courthouse Lawn and bowling.

Bonnie worked for 35 years at McDonalds, starting in 1978.  She was loved by her coworkers and customers as she was always hard working and smiling.  Outside of work and dancing, she also liked to garden and bake.  The family could not get enough of her fresh bread, homemade jelly, and caramel puff corn.  She was also an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Alexandria.

After Bernie passed away, Bonnie moved into Arabella Manor in Alexandria. With her friends at Arabella, she spent time playing cards and board games, as well as watching polka on TV.

Bonnie Bitzan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bernie; infant son, Daniel; daughter, Brenda; great grandson Blake Nohre; sisters Donna Gnasdoskey, Marlene Stumm, Deloris (Tootie) Baker, Shirley Sell, Inez Bendickson, Irene Medlin; and brothers Burr Squier, Truman Squier, Roger Squier, and Wendell Squier.

Bonnie is survived by children, Kevin Bitzan of Alexandria, Becky Nohre (Mark) of Alexandria, Curt Bitzan (Jodi) of Alexandria, Doug Bitzan (Paula) of Milaca, Janice Puckett (Reese) of Lakeville, and Wanda Lillemoen of Savage;  grandchildren, David Nohre, Scott Nohre, Kayla Nohre, Nick Bitzan, Starsha Froberg, Ashley Iverson, Aaron Bitzan, Jacob Warren, Cassy Gray, Mitchell Bitzan, Rachel Hockert, Ethan Puckett, Ella Puckett, Brianna Lillemoen, and Brayden Lillemoen;  great-grandchildren,  Brock Nohre, Reed Nohre, Sophia Nohre, Sadie Nohre, Eva Iverson, Sterling Iverson, Sylvia Iverson, William Bitzan, Benjamin Bitzan, Joseph Froberg, John Froberg, Daemon Warren, Alex Warren, Aeva Warren, Dax Warren, and Sterling Gray; sisters Phyllis Brundell, Sandy Schulte; brothers Gary Squier and Duane Squier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria. Reverend Father Steve Binsfeld will be the celebrant. Entombment will be in the church cemetery. Casket bearers include all of Bonnie’s grandchildren. Honorary casket bearers include all of Bonnie’s great grandchildren.  Bonnie's funeral will be live streamed for those unable to attend.