Bonnie L. Matthes, 77, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., died peacefully surrounded by her loving family, Saturday evening, Oct. 26, 2013, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie.

She was born Sept. 28, 1936, the daughter of Melvin O. and Lola C. (Arends) Johnson in Guckeen, Minn. She grew up in the Blue Earth, Minn., area, graduating from Blue Earth High School. After graduation, Bonnie attended Mankato Commercial College for two years. On Dec. 29, 1956, she was united in marriage to Lloyd L. Matthes in Blue Earth. The couple moved to Blooming Prairie in 1964, where Bonnie worked as a nursing assistant and in retail sales. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. She enjoyed gardening, music, bird watching, the outdoors and cooking. She loved her children and grandchildren and spending time with them. She truly loved her life.

Survivors include her husband, Lloyd L. Matthes of rural Blooming Prairie; three children, Greg Matthes of Owatonna, Minn.; Kathy (Dan Chesky, Jr.) Carlson of Northfield, Minn.; and Patsy (Todd) Thoen of Waltham, Minn.; five grandchildren; one great-grandchildren; six sisters, Beverly Dahl of Colorado, Sharon Young of California, Shelia Grussing and Carolyn Sasse of Minnesota, Connie Wetzstein of California and Gayle Steiger of Minnesota; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Lola Johnson.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner and Pastor Charlie Leonard, officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m., prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com. Memorials are directed to Prairie Manor Care Center or Alzheimer’s Research.