Coleen Bohnsack
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On June 6, 2022 @ 6:22 pm In 2022,Obituaries | 10 Comments
Coleen (Lynda) Bohnsack, age 76 of Prior Lake, passed away while surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 5643 Luther Road SE, Prior Lake. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM with a visitation 1-hour prior at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prior Lake. Pastor Greg DeMuth will preside, and Coleen will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Prior Lake. In loving memory, memorials may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org.
On July 28, 1945 in Seattle, WA parents Vernon and Earline (Tully) McNeil celebrated the birth of their daughter, Lynda Coleen McNeil. The McNeil family lived briefly in Washington before settling in Minnesota. Coleen loved growing up on Spring Lake and being surrounded by family. Through the highs and lows of life, Coleen was especially close with her sisters, Theresa and Cathi. Whether they were playing dominoes, completing puzzles, or raising their children together, Coleen always offered encouragement to her sisters.
Coleen was united in marriage on August 3, 1968 to Don Bohnsack at Lydia Zion United Methodist Church. This began a new chapter in Coleen’s life—being a loving wife, mom, and grandma.
The family had many adventures together, both near and far from home. Their RV trips to the Dakotas were memorable for their family and strangers alike! Often, Coleen’s travels were motivated by family. She especially enjoyed visiting her cousins in North Dakota and had a notable trip to Washington to visit her daughter and explore the family history of her birthplace. The family was also gathered quite often at Memorial Park for the Prior Lake Jays and Mudcats games. Don and Coleen were early board members in bringing townball back to Prior Lake. First with the Prior Lake Jays in 1987 and secondly with the Prior Lake Mudcats in 1991; where Don was manager and Coleen volunteered in many positions. In her post retirement years, Coleen enjoyed attending movies, Irish plays, and musicals with her son and sisters.
Hardworking and committed, Coleen raised a family while employed part-time as a teacher and completed her Master’s degree at Hamline University. In 1981, Coleen began a 28-year long career in Prior Lake as a Spanish teacher. Prior to this she worked in Faribault, Northfield, and Mapleton.
An exceptional educator, Coleen was both encouraging and firm with students. She celebrated their accomplishments, inspired others to become educators, and maintained relationships years later. Running errands often became an all-day event, as Coleen frequently crossed paths with former students and simply had to catch up on their lives. Coleen also welcomed many amity aides into the community as a host and helped others find host families, thus enriching the lives around her and within the PLHS district.
Despite health setbacks, Coleen remained filled with hope and always focused on what matters most—her family, friends, and faith. No matter the circumstances, Coleen was a constant presence who cultivated meaningful relationships with those she cared for.
Coleen’s unwavering love and dedication will be cherished forever by her husband, Don; children, Donene (Tim) Mannion, Brent (Krystal) Bohnsack, Darren Bohnsack, Bryan (Carrie Rahbain) Bohnsack; grandchildren, Mackenzie Youngs, Cooper Youngs, Tres Mannion, Tully Mannion, Tyler Bohnsack, Griffin Bohnsack, Lila Bohnsack; sister, Theresa (Roger) Boettcher; brother-in-law, Don Boegeman, many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.
Coleen is reunited in Heaven with her parents, Vernon and Earline McNeil, and her sister, Cathi Boegeman.
Please share a message with Coleen’s family at www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Coleen Bohnsack
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Coleen Bohnsack”
She was my Spanish teach in highschool and would always push me to work harder. Also…and more importantly, she was one of my parent’s best friends from their college years to today. I grew up seeing her care for her family and love her husband. It is hard to say good-bye even knowing that her suffering has ended.
Thoughts and prayers to the Bohnsack Family and all of Coleen’s friends.
Peace, comfort and blessings at this difficult time.
Sending prayers of comfort to Colleen‘s family. I have many wonderful memories as a teenager spending so much time at the McNeil home with Cathi. I always looked up the Colleen.
Who didn’t notice those sparkly blue eyes? Coleen was one of the very first people I met when I moved to Prior Lake. ( Spring Lake). That was back in the early 60,s. I became fast friends with both Coleen and her sister, Cathy. Oh! The fun we had!
She will always have a special place in my heart. She was the best…
Don and Family:
I feel so bad for your loss. Colleen was a wonderful person and she will be missed by many. R.I.P. Colleen
Coleen was both a dedicated teacher to hundreds of Prior Lake Spanish students, and a wonderful colleague who brought her unique spirit of joy to the workplace each day. Her smile was warm, her patience was evident, and above all, her passion for her students was always bright. May Coleen’s family find peace in knowing how much she touched so many young people and fellow teachers.
She will be missed by many. I loved talking with Coleen at Father’s Day gatherings and Christmas. Prayers to her family.
It saddened me today to learn of Colleen’s passing. She was a gentle spirit who was always ready with a smile. Which is how I will always remember her. Thank you for letting me
Share this with you.
Mike
To the family of Lynda McNeil (as I knew her at Hamline.
Lynda and I were good friends at Hamline – even dated a few times. She was warm, spontaneous, and a good friend all the years that we were there together. I loved her voice and laughter. I was sad to see her obituary notice in the Hamline Magazine. I am sure that I am only one of many who miss her – she was special and I liked her very much. My best wishes to her friends and family.
Click here to print.
Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/22723-2/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.
My sympathy Colleen’s family. I knew her as a parent and a colleague. She was a truly dedicated parent and teacher. My condolences.
Gloria Warner