Bonnie Jane Wieland Degen, 92

Bonnie Jane "BJ" Wieland Degen died July 5, 2014, at the Courtyard at Coeur d’Alene.

BJ was born on March 10, 1922, in Bertha, Minn., to Fred J.Wieland and Erma Pollman Wieland. She was the youngest of four daughters. BJ graduated from Washburn High School in Minneapolis in 1940, and married Richard “Dick” M. Degen in 1942.

Bonnie was artistic and enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, singing, painting, flower arranging, baking and shell collecting. She volunteered wherever she lived, and was a member of glee clubs and church choirs for most of her life.

Bonnie enjoyed golfing, and was a member of the Dodgertown Ladies Golf League in Vero Beach, Fla., where she and Dick lived for many years. Bonnie and Dick took numerous trips in their motor home, visiting friends and family, and exploring new places. One of their more memorable trips was their sojourn to Alaska in 1979.

Bonnie always saw the best in people, and greeted each new day with hope and optimism, a smile and a song.

Bonnie is survived by her three children: Denise, of Pennsylvania; Tom, of West Virginia; and Marilyn, of Idaho; six grandchildren, and two great grandsons.

We will miss her cheerful nature and sweet singing voice. A remembrance for Bonnie will be held at a later date in Vero Beach, Fla.

The family thanks the staff at The Courtyard at Coeur d’Alene for their help in caring for Bonnie. Donations in Bonnie's memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.