Bonnie Jane Guthmiller, age 93, of Huron died Saturday, August 24, 2024.  Her memorial service will be 11:00 am Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Riverview United Methodist Church in Huron with a private burial with immediate family prior to the service at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery.   Visitation with family present will be from 5-7 pm Friday, September 6, 2024 at Welter Funeral Home, including 6:30 pm prayer service; or one hour prior the memorial service at the church.

View Bonnie's Memorial Folder

Bonnie was born to Ralph and Millie Hayes on June 20, 1931 in Huron, SD.  She graduated from Alpena High School as valedictorian in 1949.  She enjoyed lifelong learning which culminated in earning two master's degrees: Masters of Elementary Education and later Masters of Elementary Administration.  Her learning continued even into her 90s reading and doing crossword puzzles.  She enjoyed a long career in education and had a passion to see children reach their full potential. Her teaching career spanned three decades starting with rural country school to ending at Wolsey Elementary School as an educator and administrator.

Elvin Guthmiller and Bonnie Hayes were united in marriage on June 22, 1952 in Alpena.  They farmed on the Guthmiller family farm from 1952-1993 when they retired to Huron, SD.  Upon her retirement she enjoyed quilting, genealogy, sewing, reading, writing, and bird watching.   They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in June of 2013 with their immediate family.  Elvin and Bonnie joined the Virgil  United Methodist Church in 1953 and continued to be members there all of their lives.

Her faith was an important part of her life.  Bonnie was a lay leader and ministered in various Methodist churches in the area.  Over the years she was organist, choir director, Sunday school teacher and contributed to her church in any way she could.  She was part of Disciple Bible studies I, II, and III, Stephen's Ministry, and Virgil's adult Sunday School class.  She enjoyed writing and leading Bible studies at her church and the Huron Juvenile Detention Center.

Bonnie is survived by son, Lynn (Connie) Guthmiller of Creighton, NE; daughter, Cindy (Ron) Gustafson of Brandon, SD; grandchildren Dawn (Mike) Pielstick, Emily (Chris) Pselos, Randy (Rachel) Guthmiller, Anna (Travis) Carpenter, Jacob (Corrie) Guthmiller, Heather (Spencer) Ladd, Tyler (Kristen) Gustafson; Great grandchildren, Gracie, Wade and Aurora Guthmiller; Delanie, David, Isaac and Olivia Pielstick; Henry Pselos; Ava, Willow and Bennett Carpenter; Sadie, Mara and Everett Ladd; Judah, Simon and Eliza Gustafson; sister- in -law Darlene Boe; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two great grandchildren; brothers Roland and Manford, and sisters, Iris and Esther.