Bonnie Lou Seegmiller, 92, of Howard Lake passed away peacefully on September 2 , 2025 at GlenFields Living with Care, Glencoe. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, Howard Lake. Visitation will be held at 10 am, the service at 11 am followed with a reception at 12:30 pm in the American Legion in Howard Lake.
Bonnie was born on September 9, 1932, the same day as her Mother’s birthday, in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Louise Gertrude Hender (Thompson) and Roger William Hender. She attended schools in Wyoming and Colorado.
At 16, Bonnie sang in a Denver music store for customers who requested sheet music to be played by a pianist and singer. Her repertoire included gospel, blues, jazz, and the current songs at the time.
She graduated early from East High School in 1950 and began classes at the University of Denver. One class Bonnie enjoyed was Radio Broadcasting. Her voice and writing were worthy of earning an “A” but her male professor told her he wouldn’t give her the deserved grade because she was a woman.
Bonnie worked in a variety of capacities in Denver. She was a sales woman and cashier at Kresge’s Department Store, Walgreen’s, and Woolworth’s. Later she would work two jobs to help her mother financially who had heart disease. At one time she worked for a tailor during the day and hostess at a Chinese restaurant in the evening.
Bonnie was a member and sang in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver and would marry her husband, William “Bill” Matt Seegmiller in the Chapel. She was working for Wesco Fabrics in sales and designing when she and Bill decided to begin the next chapter of their lives and move to Minnesota. They first resided in St. Louis Park and then Bill’s job as an engineer brought them to Howard Lake. During this time, Bonnie was a homemaker and worked at Tonka Toys Inc. in Mound while enjoying ceramic classes and joined the Women’s Bowling League in Howard Lake.
Bonnie became a devoted member and joined the choir at Walker United Methodist Church in Howard Lake. Her wealth of knowledge in music led her to soon become the choir director. She then joined the Sweet Adelines and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with the group in competitions.
One of many accomplishments for Bonnie was celebrating 50 years at Braham-Gilmer Monument Works, formerly Gilmer Monument Works. She began as a secretary to Gerry Gilmer and Jay Gilmer, the founders son’s. Her vast knowledge, compassion, and intuitiveness in sales and marketing would lead her to become Sales Manager. When Braham bought out Gilmer’s, Bonnie continued in her position and worked independently with the sales team in Braham, Minnesota.
In 1993, Bonnie was asked to sing for a special Mother’s Day edition on her daughter Kathryn’s radio program. She sang the song, M-O-T-H-E-R (A Word That Means the World To Me). She and her daughter won a Public Broadcasting award for the program.
Bonnie held various board positions with Sweet Adelines, Walker United Methodist Church, Howard Lake Business Association, and Good Neighbor Days Committee. She was also a member of the Howard Lake Library, the WOW group, and St. Mary’s Choir.
In 2000, Bonnie was recognized as Honorary Commodore for her dedication as Co-Chair of Good Neighbor Days. She would continue to receive various honors throughout her life.
Bonnie loved to sing, dance, attend the theater, concerts, and movies, read mysteries, enjoy life every day, and always stayed positive and optimistic. She was a good friend and great mentor to many young women especially to her daughters, Kathryn and Valerie and loved her grandchildren deeply.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents Louise Gertrude Cline, Roger William Hender, and husband, William Matt Seegmiller. She is survived by her daughters, Kathryn McCormick (Tim), Valerie Olson (Chris), grandchildren Jason Shaddox, Michael Veaderko (Liz), Noelle Veaderko (Brad Pachnik), David Thacker (Wendy), step great grandson, Jeremy, great granddaughter, Madelyn and many dear friends.
The family would like to recognize GlenFields Living with Care, Glencoe: Ridgeview Wound Care, Waconia; and Ridgeview Home Healthcare, Waconia for their care, compassion, and respect for Bonnie.
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