Bonnie Dretsch, age 71, formerly of Marshall, MN and recently from St. Peter, MN, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2021, and will be announced. Interment will be in Frazee, MN. www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com

Bonnie was born on April 18, 1949 in Mankato, MN to Joseph and Violet Bauer. She spent her childhood growing up on the farm and after graduation from Nicollet Public Schools in 1967 she furthered her education at Mankato State College and received a degree in English and Spanish in 1971. On September 26, 1979, she was united in marriage to Donald Dretsch in rural St. Peter. They lived in Marshall, MN where they raised their son, Kyle. Bonnie worked for many years at Southwest State University as a library technician. Bonnie enjoyed making beautiful cards, was an avid reader, researching her family’s genealogy, cross stitching, being active in her church, and enjoying her many friends.  She will be remembered best for her wonderful sense of humor and quick wit; the generosity of love and kindness that she freely gave to the many people that came into her life; and the strength and braveness she showed in the face of adversity.

She is survived by her son, Kyle Dretsch, siblings, Barbara (Roger) Rodning, Joanne (Dave) Johnson, Carol Williams, and Joe Bauer Jr., many nephews and nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don, infant daughters Lindsey and Christa, and infant sister, Nancy Elaine.