Bonnie Jean Held, 64

Bonnie Jean Held, of Rathdrum, Idaho, was called to her heavenly home on Nov. 26, 2015, at the Hospice House of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, after a yearlong battle with cancer. Bonnie was born Jan. 10, 1951, to Samuel and Charlotte Burgdorff in Fort Collins, Colo. She later moved with her family to the Coeur d’Alene area of Idaho in 1987. One of Bonnie’s most precious gifts from God was her loving, nurturing and caring heart for those with whom she came into contact.

Graduating from Loveland High School, Bonnie went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Lewis and Clark College and became a registered nurse. She began her skilled nursing career at Kootenai Health and Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, working on the Ortho/Neuro floor. She later assisted Dr. Folks, a highly respected neurosurgeon, by helping care for his patients. Next Bonnie worked for the Panhandle Health District in the family and childhood health division. Following her time there, she transferred to Health Promotions where she flourished as a health education specialist. She then was employed at Rockwood Clinic in Spokane Valley, Wash., as a triage nurse prior to her retirement.

Bonnie was also an active member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Rathdrum where she established the Parish Nursing Ministry Program. She joyfully lived out her faith by ministering to the needs of shut-ins, and surely she will hear the King reply, “‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40). In addition to utilizing her nursing skills, Bonnie thoroughly enjoyed praising her Lord and Savior by participating in the song and hand bell choirs at church.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Al Held of Rathdrum; son Dan (Samantha) of Spirit Lake, Idaho; son Ryan (Amanda) of Severance, Colo.; son Vaughn Held of Santa Rosa, Calif.; daughter Debbie (Ron) Adam of Loveland, Colo.; daughter Mary (Dave) Hochmuth of Cross Plains, Wis.; daughter Marcy (Tom) Isben of Parker, Colo.; brother Samuel (Lynn) Burgdorff of Elgin, Ill.; sister Ronda (Bill) Plywaski of Boulder, Colo.; sister Linda (Jim) Manion of Victorville, Calif.; sister Lei Lani (Dewey-deceased) Chandler of Chichamunga, Ga.; grandchildren Chris of Tri-Cities, Wash., Casey Maple of Spirit Lake, Grace and Ellina Maple of Severance, Esther (Michael) Martens of New Ulm, Minn., Sarah and Andrew Hochmuth of Cross Plains, Kimmy (Jesse) Bean of Englewood, Colo., Ashley (Nicholas) Ray of Fort Collins; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; as well as great-nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing from 4–6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls. A memorial service of celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13541 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum.