Marianne Bonko

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Marianne Rita Bonko, who died on August 20th at the age of 90.

Born into a Hungarian family and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Marianne grew up speaking Hungarian before she spoke English. As a teenager, she attended Lorain High School where she grew close with a group of girls, who remained best friends throughout the rest of their lives. In the fall of 1957, Marianne met James Daniel Bonko on a blind date. By April of 1958, they were married. It was an all-day event that included locally-made food, live music, and a dinner dance.

Marianne and Jim moved to Cottage Grove, Minnesota in 1972 and raised their children, David and Janet (McManamon) in a close-knit neighborhood on 83rd Street. There, families bonded during the summer months on the kitten-ball fields and at pool parties. Marianne worked at Visitation High School during this period, retiring after 17 years as the assistant to the high school counselor. Her strong work-ethic and compassion for others were valued, and again resulted in life-long friendships.

Following Jim's passing, Marianne moved to White Bear Lake, Minnesota and spent much of her free time attending her grandchildren's sporting events, theatrical productions, and concerts - often splitting her evenings between events. She was so proud of her grandchildren's accomplishments and the good people they grew up to be.

Marianne was a woman of many talents. She was an incredible cook. For decades, dinner guests would be greeted at the door with the scents and smells of her culinary specialties. Chicken paprikash, Hungarian pot roast, and handmade spätzle were family favorites. Her meals were demonstrations of pure, unadulterated love. To go home hungry was an insult. She enjoyed music of all types, reading books and dancing - especially the czárdás and always in the kitchen! She played golf, bridge and loved Hallmark Christmas movies.

Marianne was a kind and generous soul who loved interacting with people. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her, and she will be remembered for her infectious smile, the twinkle in her eye, her quest for humor, and warm personality.

Marianne is survived by her children, David Bonko (Lisa) and Janet McManamon (Steve), and her six grandchildren, Nicholas, Jack and Samantha Bonko, and Conor, Lucy and Clare McManamon, who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN on Tuesday, August 27th at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. A private internment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in September. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to The Pillars Hospice Home, Oakdale, MN.