Bonnie Gail Vrudny

Bonnie Gail Vrudny, 63, of Walker MN died-in-the-Lord at home with her family present. She was born in St. Paul MN to Francis & Gail Halverson June15,1962.  She grew up in Cottage Grove MN, being baptized in the name of the Triune God, and learning the Christian faith through the conservative Lutheran Church.  She excelled in academics, sports (swimming) and music (French horn) at Park High, and had a competitive spirit her whole life.  For her senior year, she moved with her parents to a hobby farm, and graduated in 1980 as the valedictorian of Kerkhoven/Murdock/Sunberg high school.    

She attended Mankato State University School of Nursing, competing at a national level in swimming, and graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1984.  While on the university swim team, she met Matthew, thinking he was something special.   Bonnie worked as a nurse in the VA hospitals in Ann Arbor, MI & St. Louis, MO.  She worked in the neonatal units in Pensacola, FL & St. Louis, MO;  she especially love working with premi-babies.  Bonnie married Matthew Vrudny July 6, 1985.  After that, she worked part time, raising their four children and doing foster care for 30 children.  In 1991 she and two friends, Cindy & Pam, ran the Twin Cities marathon, which had been a personal goal of hers.

As Matthew became a Lutheran pastor in 1990, she took on the new role of ‘pastor’s wife’, a position which enabled her to be busy with Sunday School, VBS, youth group, L.W.M.L, choir & instrumental music, children’s Christmas programs and prayer groups, among other things ~ and she enjoyed all of them!   She made sure her children excelled in church, schooling, sports & music, with an appreciation of a variety of outdoor activities, especially swimming and camping.  She planned a few memorable family camping trips to National Parks around the country.  She served for years with the Hinckley/Finlayson school board, quickly becoming the Chair,  in support of excellence in public education. 

She didn’t mind moving a few times, as many pastor’s families do, accepting the adventure of it, and she made friends in many places.  As the children graduated high school, she returned to nursing at smaller hospitals, and always enjoyed giving care to patients & their families.  She really enjoyed the profession and always worked to give precise & gracious care.  She moved to Walker in September 2014, becoming active in the many activities of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.  She found her dream home on Long Lake, always enjoying boat rides and swim times, especially when her children would visit.

Getting past breast cancer in November 2024,  another cancer was discovered in January of 2025 (neuroendocrine) and she endured chemo treatments with hope.  She died on March 4, 2026 with confidence to finally receive the promise of a heavenly home by the grace of God in Christ Jesus.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her oldest sister Elizabeth Sullivan.  She is survived by her husband Matthew;  four children: Nathaniel Vrudny of Center City MN;  Kayla(Chris) Nearman of Seattle WA;  Rachel (David) Benson of Winter Park FL;  and Eve(Kyle) Jeremiah of Clarksville, TN;  her sister Joann (Dan) Iverson of Ramsey MN, and Brother David(Ra Vy ) Halverson who lives in Cambodia;  six grandchildren: Dylan & Mason Benson, Emma & Levi Jeremiah, Skylar Vrudny, and Violet Nearman; and many nieces & nephews.

A special thank you goes out from the family, on Bonnie’s behalf, for the gracious & skilled doctors & nurses that cared for her at CHI St. Joseph’s, Park Rapids; Sanford, Bemidji; Roger Maris Cancer Center, of Fargo; and Joe Lueken CC of Bemidji.  Gifts in Bonnie’s name can be given to Immanuel Lutheran School of Walker.  “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

Funeral Services for Bonnie will be on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Walker, MN. Visitation will be Friday Evening March 13, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church and 1 hour before the Saturday Service. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Walker MN following the service.

Bonnie’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home, Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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