Bonnie Lyn Tjaden

Tjaden, Bonnie Lyn Age 70, passed away on 6/17/17. Bonnie Lyn Tjaden was born on September 25, 1946, in Sherburn, MN, Martin County, to Fern (Scheff) and Merle (also known as "Chris") Claussen. She grew up in Sherburn with younger siblings Barb and Timmy. In 1959, the family moved to Glenwood, MN, where Bonnie graduated from high school with the Class of 1964. In 1969, she graduated from Moorhead State University, along with her college sweetheart, Timothy Tjaden. Two weeks after graduation, Bonnie and Tim were married at Glenwood Methodist Church on June 28th. Three children blessed their union - Jennifer, Joy, and Jessica. The Tjaden family always lived in the Minneapolis metro area - Robbinsdale, North Minneapolis, and New Hope. Bonnie taught 1st grade for 5 years at Garden City School, then ran a licensed home daycare while her own children were school-aged. She then returned to teaching, and finished out her career with 25 years teaching kindergarten at Earle Brown School, in Brooklyn Center, MN. Working with young children was more than a job; it was Bonnie's passion. Bonnie's faith was equally Important throughout her life. At an altar call at Northern Pines Bible Camp, she gave her life to Christ as a teenager, by the light of the campfire. More than being a regular church-goer, Bonnie was extremely active in the churches she attended, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. Bonnie held her family close to her heart at all times, and her two grandkids, in particular, are among the greatest joys of her life. She also adored time spent at the family cabin on Lake Amelia, in Villard, MN, and was commonly seen tending to the lawn. Bonnie happily spent hours tracking her German family ancestry. She was also a voracious reader, known to stay up until 6 a.m., just to finish a compelling page-turner. Lastly, her love of music is remembered by nearly all those whose lives she touched. She was an exceptionally gifted musician, and could play any instrument with a keyboard by ear - whether it was waking her kids up on a Saturday morning with a rousing polka on her many accordions, using the piano as a teaching tool in her classrooms, or playing the piano for her friends' Russian church services. Bonnie's passing leaves her family and friends with a void in their hearts, which they will seek to fill with love and memories of her. She is survived by her husband, Tim; her three daughters and their families: Jennifer Tjaden (Mark), Joy Ratajczyk (John); grandchildren Gavin and Miah, and Jessica Tjaden; as well as sister, Barb Iverson (Bruce); and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fern and Merle Claussen, and brother, Tim Claussen. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. Funeral service Friday 6/23/17 at 11:00 AM at Hennepin Ave. United Methodist Church, 511 Groveland Ave., Mpls. Additional service to be held later Friday evening, 6:30 PM at Villard United Methodist Church, 540 Lincoln Ave., Villard, MN. Interment to follow at Glenwood City Cemetery, Glenwood, MN. Visitation at the church in Mpls. one hour prior to service and Thursday, 6/22/17 4:00 - 8:00 PM at: Washburn-McReavy.com Glen Haven Chapel 763-533-8643 5125 W. Broadway, Crystal Read more at http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/203823/?fullname=bonnie-lyn-tjaden#KMjF30KeBQWqX78I.99 Read more at http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/203823/?fullname=bonnie-lyn-tjaden#uxRoiDRlTiVkRoBs.99

Tributes

Bonnie Lyn Tjaden

June 17, 2017

Tributes

Bonnie Lyn Tjaden

June 17, 2017

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