Bonita Tieszen, 88

Bonita Tieszen, 88, of Freeman, S.D., passed away on Sept. 24 at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Bonita Marilee Miller was born Aug. 25, 1937, the third child after older brother Don and sister Veronica, to Marion and Leona Miller. Home was rural Freeman where she attended country school and was a lifelong member of Salem Mennonite Church. She served in a variety of roles: treasurer, Sunday school superintendent, and choir member.

Bonita completed her education at Freeman Academy and then worked in Marion, S.D. at Farmers State Bank. She married Karl A. Tieszen on June 7, 1957 and to this union three children were born: Shawn, Pamela and Jeffrey.

Karl and Bonita farmed between Marion and Freeman and mom could often be found outside supporting dad with the day-to-day chores and farm work. The farm always looked good because she was mowing or tending the garden or her beautiful flower beds. While mom supported the family in many ways, any free moment was spent at the sewing machine. In the earlier years for practical reasons sewing clothes, but later there were countless quilts made for every family member and many of the MCC sales. Her gifts with needle and thread and ability to coordinate colors and fabrics were remarkable. She loved to spend time in fabric shops, the more unique the better, and a particular highlight was attending quilt shows with friends.

Mom’s work off the farm included a second round at Marion’s Farmer State Bank, Wieman Land and Auction and much later served in the office with the Central Plains Conference. She often filled secretary and treasurer positions because of her attention to detail that showed in her work and personal style.

Bonita and Karl enjoyed traveling to south Texas for the winters, crossing the US with their pickup and trailer, and took a number of European trips to see Ukraine and Russia. In the later years when not traveling she could be found remodeling a bathroom, tending to her African violets or orchids. Her craft abilities went well beyond sewing to painting pottery and she was unafraid to try most any new craft.

Bonita was preceded in death by Karl and siblings Don and Veronica. She is survived by children Shawn (Kimberly), Pamela and Jeffrey; nine grandchildren: Brooke, Ashley, Tyler, Jourdan, Aaron, Ben, Jaime, Hope and Hannah; and 13 great-grandchildren.