Bonnie Jeanne Gappa

Bonnie Jeanne Gappa, 96, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026 surrounded with the love of her family, who were grateful for the precious gift of being by her side, holding her close and helping her on her journey home to Heaven. Bonnie was born on April 1, 1930, in Anoka, Minnesota, the second of four children born to Agnes and Earl Ruschmeyer. Her Catholic faith and love for the Lord were very important to her and remained a source of strength, comfort, and hope throughout her life. She lived with a deep trust in God and was so faithful in her prayer life. Her faith was reflected in the many ways she generously served her church community at Epiphany. She was an active volunteer on the counting team, in the church gift shop, and in Adoration, giving her time and talents with a loving and willing heart. She worked for many years at Federal Cartridge in the Tool Crib, where she was known for being remarkably resourceful and mechanically inclined. Rumor has it that she ran a tight ship and employees today still know better than to break her rules! She believed in repairing or repurposing things rather than simply throwing them away and replacing them. Whether fixing a household appliance or rewiring a lamp, she had a knack for getting it working again. Bonnie found joy in her family, traditions, and the outdoors. As a teenager, she was an accomplished roller skater, and throughout her life she enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether camping or searching for bittersweet. She had a green thumb and loved to garden; plants seemed to flourish under her care. She also had a lifelong love of rocks and collected them wherever she went. She especially delighted in discovering a face, shape, or other images hidden within the rocks. Bonnie was the beloved matriarch of her family and had a special way of bringing everyone together. At Christmas time, family gathered around her much-loved caramel rolls, and in later years, her raspberry pretzel jello became another family favorite. These simple traditions created lasting memories that will be treasured by her family forever. She was a very loving grandma who always enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, and the warmth and love she so freely shared with those around her. The last two years of her life she struggled with dementia, and the family is so grateful for Beehive Homes Memory care and Grace Hospice for all the compassion, love and wonderful care they all gave her! Bonnie was preceded in death by her son, Steven Petersen; husband, Roman "Fritz" Gappa; brother, Robert Ruschmeyer; and her parents. She is lovingly survived by her children, Cheri Moline, Harold Petersen, David (Renae) Petersen, and Char (John) Lallak; sisters, Marlys Talbot and Loraine Klersy; as well as eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Honoring Bonnie's Life - Friday, August 14, 2026 Visitation: 9:30-10:30 am at Church of the Epiphany Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 am Luncheon & Fellowship: Immediately following Mass at the church Church of the Epiphany 1900 111th Ave NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Thank you for joining us in celebrating Bonnie's life. Your love, support, and friendship mean so much to our family. In her honor, we invite you to wear cheerful garden colors, as we gather to remember Bonnie and celebrate a life well lived.

Bonnie Jeanne Gappa

April 1, 1930 - August 6, 2026

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