Bonita Tieszen

Bonita Tieszen, 88, of Freeman passed away on Sept. 24th at Oakview Terrace in Freeman. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. 

Bonita Tieszen Obituary

August 25, 1937-September 24, 1925

Bonita Marilee Miller was born August 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 at the Farmers State Bank. She married Karl A. Tieszen, June 7, 1957 and to this union 3 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; 9 grandchildren; Brooke, Ashley, Tyler, Jourdan, Aaron, Ben, Jaime, Hope and Hannah and 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Salem Mennonite Home and Freeman Regional Health Care staff for all the care and love shown to mom.