Bonnie Jean Merkens, age 79, of Ada, MN, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Benedictine Care Community of Ada.

Bonnie Jean, daughter of Charles and Bernice (Hirchert) Fjeld, was born on November 14, 1946, in Ada. She spent her childhood in the Ada area, where she attended school and grew up surrounded by family. As a young woman, Bonnie began working at the local nursing home, a role that reflected the caring and compassionate spirit she carried throughout her life. During these years, she met Marvin Merkens, and on December 10, 1966, they were united in marriage at Grace Lutheran Church.

Bonnie and Marvin began their life together on the Merkens family farm near Lockhart. There, Bonnie devoted herself to raising their two children, faithfully caring for their home, and working as a home cleaner in the community. She was also a dedicated member of First English Lutheran Church in Lockhart, where she served with the Ladies Aid and generously volunteered her time.

In the early 2000s, Bonnie and Marvin moved to Pelican Rapids, where they enjoyed many good years together before eventually returning to the Twin Valley area.

As a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Bonnie found joy in serving wherever she was needed. Her faith quietly guided her life and was most clearly seen in the many acts of kindness she shared with others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and often visited the local nursing home to paint residents' fingernails. Bonnie had a special love for children and cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She found great joy in watching her grandchildren grow and lovingly claimed a few neighborhood grandchildren as her own.

Bonnie was an avid quilter and made baby quilts for every little one she knew. She also enjoyed cooking and baking and took great pride in making sure everyone who came through her door felt welcomed and well fed. A wonderful hostess, she loved caring for others and often greeted friends and family with a warm smile and a heartfelt hug. In quieter moments, she enjoyed embroidery and created beautiful pieces that reflected her patience and creativity.

Bonnie will be remembered for her vibrant energy, generous heart, and the simple ways she showed love to those around her.

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Bonnie is survived by her husband, Marvin of Ada; her children, Michelle "Missy" (Keith) Okeson of Roseau, MN, and Jay (Ann) Merkens of Ada; four grandchildren: Taylor (Marshall) Hahn, Tanner (Kelsie) Okeson; Joel (Liz) Merkens; Lexi (Nic Prothero) Merkens; six great grandchildren: Nora, Everett, Ruby, Henry, Annie, and Liana; two sisters, Diana Woltjer and Charlene (Dennis) Brandt; two sisters-in-law, Karen Fjeld and Darlene Fjeld; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Bernice; two brothers, Dennis and Jerry; and a brother-in-law, Marlyn Woltjer.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00am, with visitation an hour prior, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. Interment will be held at the Pleasant View Cemetery in rural Ada.