Bonnie Marie Vaala

Bonnie Vaala, age 66 of Appleton, passed away Sunday morning, March 20, 2022, in her home.  Her husband, James “Jim” Vaala Jr. of Appleton, passed away March 30, 2020, in the St. Cloud Hospital.  Visitation for Bonnie and Jim will be held 4-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton.  Visitation will resume from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by the memorial service for Bonnie and Jim, at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 25, 2022, at the church.  Vicar Sara Larson will officiate.  Interment will be in Appleton City Cemetery.

Bonnie Marie Vaala was born November 6, 1955, in Appleton, Minnesota, the daughter of Manfred “Pete” and Gladys “Millie” (Shelstad) Hiepler.  She was confirmed by Pastor Engebretson at Faith Lutheran Church in Madison.  Bonnie was raised on a farm near Bellingham.  She attended Bellingham High School, where she graduated, Class of 1973.

On December 3, 1977, she was united in marriage to James Vaala Jr., by Pastor Astrup, at Faith Lutheran Church in Madison.  They were blessed with over 46 years together and three children: Ben, Laura, and Hannah.  The couple lived in Clarkfield from 1977-1979, where Bonnie worked in the Clarkfield City Office.  In May 1979 they moved to Appleton.  During her working years she was employed in the activities department at the Appleton Nursing Home, was a bookkeeper for Appleton Equipment, and most recently was a Pharmacy Technician at Liebe/Lewis Drug in Appleton.

Bonnie was active in the Apple Blossoms Homemakers group for over 40 years, was a past member of the Women of Today, assisted for many years with the Appleton Chamber of Commerce Santa’s Workshop, and was a Friend of the Fair (working in the craft building at the Swift County Fair).  She was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, teaching Sunday school for 25 years, serving on the Altar Guild (made banners and paraments), and was also active with the Quilting and Prayer Shawl groups.  Bonnie enjoyed sewing, hardangers, quilting, golfing, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and traveling.  Most of all, Bonnie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially attending her grandchildren’s events.

Bonnie passed away Sunday morning, March 20, 2022, in her home.  She attained 66 years, 4 months, and 14 days of age.  Bonnie is survived by her children: Ben (Kelly) Vaala of Madison, Laura (Cody) Thomson of Appleton, and Hannah (Tygen) Strand also of Appleton; her 7 grandchildren: Harper and Deacon Vaala of Madison, Makia and Layton Thomson of Appleton, and Treysen, Kolter, and Zaden Strand of Appleton; her brother, Bob (Bev) Hiepler of Bellingham; her parents-in-law, Jim and Darlene Vaala of Madison; her sisters-in-law: Jody (Tim) Longman of Madison, Barb (Greg) Raymo of Worthington and Heidi (Bryan) Clark of Madison; her brother-in-law, Bruce (Carmen) Vaala of Madison; and her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Vaala Jr. on March 30, 2020; her parents, Pete and Millie Hiepler; and her sister, Annette Larson.

Blessed be the memory of Bonnie Marie Vaala.

James Ellsworth Vaala, Jr., age 65, of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 30, 2020, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

He was united in marriage to Bonnie Hiepler on December 3, 1977, at Faith Lutheran Church in Madison. To this union, they were blessed with three children.

He started his career with J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield, MN until purchasing the funeral home in Appleton, MN in May of 1979. Jim owned and operated Vaala Funeral Home from 1979 to 2015. Jim had a kind and caring soul who provided support to many families when they needed it most.

He was actively involved at Zion Lutheran Church with choir and serving on church council. He was also involved in many community groups and organizations throughout his life. These included Appleton Chamber of Commerce, Hospital Board, LqPV School Board, Golf Club Board, Lions Club, Art Club, Swift County Concert Band, and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Jim enjoyed golfing, traveling, music, painting, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. Jim cherished his family deeply and loved taking his grandkids on golf cart rides to the park and pool.

Jim is survived by his children: Ben (Kelly) Vaala of Madison, Laura (Cody) Thomson of Appleton, and Hannah (Tygen) Strand also of Appleton; his 7 grandchildren: Harper and Deacon Vaala, Makia and Layton Thomson and Treysen, Kolter, and Zaden Strand; his parents, Jim and Darlene Vaala of Madison; his: siblings Jody (Tim) Longman of Madison, Barb (Greg) Raymo of Worthington, Bruce (Carmen) Vaala of Madison, and Heidi (Bryan) Clark of Madison’ his brother-in-law, Bob (Bev) Hiepler of Bellingham; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He preceded his wife Bonnie Vaala, who passed away on March 20, 2022; he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law; Pete & Millie (Shelstad) Hiepler; sister-in-law, Annette Larson; his grandparents; and many other aunts and uncles.

Blessed be the memory of Jim Vaala.