Bonnie Lou Reitan

Bonnie Lou Reitan

Bonnie Lou Reitan, age 81, went home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2026, at The Hospice House in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was born in Milbank, SD on August 12, 1945 to Archie and Fern (Larson) Wessel. Her sister, Joann, joined the family while they lived in Mobridge, SD, and later moved to Rapid City.

Bonnie graduated from Rapid City High School and attended college at Miltonvale Wesleyan College, where she earned her Associate Degree. Bonnie met her husband, Rodney, at a youth group event in Rapid City, and they later married in May of 1968. After living in several places over the years, Bonnie and Rodney settled in Havre, MT, where they lived for 40 years and raised their two children.

Bonnie spent much of her working life in secretarial roles, but her most meaningful work was as a dedicated wife and mother. Those who knew Bonnie witnessed her quiet spirit, her faithfulness to her family, and - if you were really lucky - her playful, silly side, which she held onto until the very end.

Throughout her life, Bonnie found strength and comfort in her relationship with Jesus Christ. She found joy in the simple things in life and was most content puttering around the house. She enjoyed cross-stitching, baking, reading the “funnies”, but more often than not, you could find her working on a word search with a cup of coffee in hand – like a true Norwegian. In her later years, Bonnie’s social circle blossomed after she moved back to Rapid City in 2016 and reconnected with her sister, many cousins, and old youth group friends.

Bonnie is survived by her children Sarah Marie Powers (Ryan) and Nathan Reitan (Karen), and her three grandchildren Wesley Dillon, Anton Powers, and Dillon Reitan. She is also survived by her sister Joann Bybee. She is preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11am, Friday, September 18, 2026, at First Wesleyan Church in Rapid City with Reverend Wayne Mueller officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral at 10am with a luncheon following the service. Burial will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 2:30pm. Contributions in her memory may be made to Mission Aviation Fellowship.