Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Bonita “Bonnie” Byberg
Bonita “Bonnie” Byberg, 77, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shephard, New Rockford, ND.
Bonita “Bonnie” Kay (Johnson) Byberg was born on the farmstead to Blaine Johnson and Freda (Kamphaugh) Johnson on April 18, 1945. Her childhood was spent climbing trees and playing in her playhouse on the Johnson farmstead in Northwood, ND. The playhouse had a little table and chairs made in Sheboygan, WI, which is ironic because now a daughter of hers teaches there. Bonnie decorated her playhouse by painting it and using her children’s Fiesta dishes and cups, which later she collected from garage sales. Her sidekicks growing up were her late cousin, Beverly Kamphaugh and sister, Wanda (Johnson) Bjerke. They would play for hours outside. All the while growing up her Christian faith was very important. The Johnson family went to the Country Lutheran church which had been attended by her relatives. Bonnie started school in a one room schoolhouse along with her sister, Wanda. After attending the one room school house through the 8th grade, she then graduated from Northwood High School. After high school Bonnie earned her Associates Degree in Business from the Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND.
One summer after college she was working as a waitress at the Northwood Cafe when in walked a group of men who were building the nursing home in town. Marlo Dale Byberg saw Bonnie and asked if she wanted a ride home. She said, “No” because she had a green car, but really her car was brown. After Marlo came into the cafe more, Bonnie eventually said, “Yes” to a date. They dated nine months long distance while Marlo completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Valley City State University. Bonnie and Marlo married on December 30, 1965. They celebrated their love for 56 years.
The young couple first lived in Kathryn, ND, then moved to Gwelph, ND, back to Kathryn, ND and finally settled in New Rockford, ND. Bonnie and Marlo moved for his teaching job. The new couple performed Norwegian Dances in honor of their Norwegian heritage. Bonnie cared and loved her children, Tamara Byberg-Kautzer, Trisha Walsh, Trent Byberg, and Travis Byberg. Yes, all “T’s” as her late brother-in-law, Neil Bjerke joked, “Ain’t that tweet.” Marlo and Bonnie joined the First Lutheran church with their family in tow. The First Lutheran church played a big role in the family’s lives. Bonnie baked the best desserts for the potlucks at church, such as her famous popcorn cake and she sang in the choir along with Marlo. The highlight of church was when the sextet group was formed. Bonnie sang alto with five other women in the group. Their call to fame happened when they were asked to sing for the governor of ND. Many nights Bonnie spent time practicing at her piano and going to rehearsals. She enjoyed every minute of it and so did the community. Bonnie acted, danced and sang in musicals. Even later in life she loved going to the theater performances in New Rockford. Shopping for Bonnie was a sport, she always had a different new quilt in her trunk deciding if it was the right one. She loved shopping for the whole family. New Rockford ushered in really great friends for Bonnie and Marlo. So many memories with friends from dressing up for Halloween, having an adult Olympics competition and scavenger hunts with friends. She played in a bowling league and in a golfing league. Bonnie never wanted to miss the Monday Night Pizza crew at Bucket Joe’s and the occasional trip to Spirit Lake looking to win big. When going out with friends, she always had a joke to share. She kept jokes in her purse on old napkins or pieces of paper. So funny to pull out a joke and read it! Bonnie could reach inside and find humor. With her friends Bonnie loved to dance. She enjoyed dancing so much that she earned the nickname, “Bebop.” The friends that she had in New Rockford were and still are family.
Bonnie worked as clerk in Medical Records at the New Rockford Hospital until it closed and then as a CNA at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd.
At Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas the extended family gathered at either Bonnie’s parents farm in Northwood, ND or at Marlo’s parents in Valley City, ND. Even though the family was spread out, the importance of being with family during the holidays is still important. Every Christmas Eve the candlelight service at First Lutheran could hear harmonies coming from the Byberg section. Bonnie valued her family and extended family. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws, all were welcome and important.
As her children graduated and moved to different places, Bonnie and Marlo traveled and visited Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Visiting the families and seeing the grandchildren was one adventure after another. “Granny Banany,” as Bridget named her, enjoyed watching her eight grandchildren grow up: Bridget, Jack, Jacob, Hunter, Clara, Baylee, Brinley and Mason. Granny Banany loved watching the grandchildren play sports and play instruments. She bragged as to how smart the grandchildren are. Every 4th of July the Byberg family would gather in New Rockford to celebrate the nation and being together as a family. Every year Bonnie was excited to get tickets for everyone to see the plays and musicals in New Rockford. She bragged about all the talent in the productions. The whole family loved going to the productions.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Blaine and Freda Johnson, nephew, Larry Bjerke, and brother-in-law, Neil Bjerke. She will be greatly missed by her husband Marlo and their four children: Tamara Byberg-Kautzer (Matt Kautzer), Trisha Walsh (Tom Walsh), Trent Byberg (Lori Byberg), and Travis Byberg (Jodi Byberg). She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Bridget, Jack, Jacob, Hunter, Clara, Baylee, Brinley, and Mason. Survived by her sister Wanda Bjerke and brother Greg Johnson. Her special neighbors and friends will miss her, too.
Bonnie’s Visitation will be Wednesday, 2:00PM-6:30PM at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford.
A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 2:00PM at First Lutheran Church, New Rockford.
Her Burial will be at the Hillside Cemetery, Valley City, ND. Friday at Noon.
Posted Condolences:
41 Comments
Submit a Comment
Condolences are reviewed by staff.
Marlo and Kids
Prayers and (HUGGS)!! Hang in there Mr B.
So sorry for your loss. I will miss my co worker. She was always happy.
Condolences to the family and prayers
Such a wonderful lady. What a wonderful couple. I enjoyed visiting with her and Marlo. Those who knew her were indeed blessed.
I work with Tamara and have heard so many wonderful things about Bonnie over the years. My condolences to all.
Bonnie was a great co-worker and friend! Her dedication and caring for residents at the LHGS was always present. She was always so willing to help others. Bonnie was a great person. Our sympathy to her family.
Sending you love Tamara, Trisha, Trent, Travis and family. Love you!
As a friend and colleague of Tamara I have heard many heartwarming stories about her mom. Tamara was blessed to have two wonderful parents and I know Bonnie will be missed. Praying for your family during this time of loss.
So sorry for your loss. Bonnie was a lovely lady and was always smiling whenever we saw her.
Growing up I remember cousin Bonnie always had a smile. Her love for Marlo and their 4 kids showed through in whatever she did. Hugs to you all.
What a full wonderful life to celebrate. We should all be so fortunate!
Best wishes, thoughts and prayers to Marlo and family.
Condolences to the whole Byberg family. You are all so very blessed to have such wonderful parents to show you the path to Love. Marlo, you are the picture of strength, commitment and Love in watching over Bonnie in her final years. May you all know the Blessing being sent your way. God Bless
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m so sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing . Her and Marlo have always been very kind to my family. My mom Vennoy Stokke – often spoke about Bonnie and her kindness to her . Blessings and healing to the family .
I felt so blessed to have met and spent time with Bonnie and Marlo. Her smile lit up the room. We had fun, laughter, hugs and a little gambling on the new machines at the Eagles! May all your memories give you comfort and peace.
Marlo and family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Bonnie. I enjoyed my time working with Bonnie at LHGS and the visits we had. Such and kind and caring soul. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Byberg family, so sorry for your loss. She will surely be missed.
Laura and I extend our sincere condolences to the Byberg family on Bonnie’s death.We worked with Bonnie when we lived in New Rockford, Laura in the X ray dept and myself in the clinic.
I will always remember that Bonnie could never get “electrocardiogram” spelled correctly.She always spelled the work”electriccardiogram”. I would see it in the Phy.exams she transcribed.
May she rest in peace.
Trish, your neighbors are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Big virtual hug until we see you in person.
Our sympathy goes out to Marlo, Tamara, Trisha, Trent, Travis & families in the loss of your beautiful wife, mother, and grandma. Bonnie was such a wonderful co-worker and was so loving, kind and caring to all! We had many fond memories and laughs working at LHGS! Bless be her memory!
Sending hugs & prayers.
My sympathy to Marlo and family. My best memory of Bonnie was she was always smiling. She will be missed by family and many friends.
Sorry for loss Marlo and family. I talked to Bonnie a few years ago in VC and she always had that
million dollar smile.
Our thoughts and prayers to the Byberg family
My deepest sympathy to Marlo and family. I got to meet Bonnie a few years ago when Marlo and I were working at Four Winds, she always had a smile for everyone. God Bless, Bonnie Benson
We were sorry to hear of Bonnie’s death. She was our second cousin. Bonnie’s father Blaine and our mother Ruth were cousins. Ruth’s mother Flora and Blaine’s mother Clara were sisters. Although we grew up in Crosby in western North Dakota, we made frequent trips to Northwood visiting our grandparents Ted and Flora Onsager and many other relatives. We went often out to the farm to visit Blaine and Freda and the kids. There were three of us in our family—our brother Keith passed away on August 11, 2014, same day of August as Bonnie’s funeral. We always remember the farm as being lots of fun, and Marge especially enjoyed the playhouse and was envious of such a neat place to play. Our sincere condolences to Wanda, Greg, Marlo and your families. Blessings to you from Marjorie (Marge) Johnson Rahfeldt and Sandra (Sandy) Johnson Olson (Our mother Ruth married a Johnson also—our dad Seymore–no relation to Bonnie’s grandfather Johnson)
Marlo and family. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. God Bless your family.
My sympathy goes out to the Family (i.e. Marlo, Tamara, Trisha, Trent, Travis & families) for the loss of Bonnie. Sending prays during this difficult time to the family.
I will be praying for your family during this difficult time. Your mother left behind a great legacy:)
Prayers to you and your family. What a lovely tribute to your mom, Tamara.
My condolences to family and friends. This was a beautiful obituary about a beautiful woman. I feel I knew her even though I never met her. Tamara. I am so sorry. Praying for you all.
My deepest sympathy to the family! I am a friend of Tamara’s and she always shared stories and inspirations from growing up. My families thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Marlo, and family…Bonnie was one of a kind but I don’t have to tell you that. Our LOSS is Heavens gain…My deepest sympathy to all who loved her here on earth… Thanks be to God Bonnie is now happy, content, dancing, singing, smiling, and sharing a joke.
My condolences to you, Uncle Marlo and cousin’s Tamara, Trisha, Trent, Travis and family. I will always have Auntie Bonnie with me in my heart as I’m sure you will too, love to all of you.
So sorry for your loss of Bonita…just read about it in the Fargo Forum…She was a classmate of ours, graduating in 1963. She was always fun. Virgil and Marcia (Haga) Sheggerud
Condolences from the McCormack family in Sheboygan. Prayers for you, Tamara and family. Let us know if we can help out….
I have enjoyed working with Tamara in Sheboygan for 25 years! Her warmth and enthusiasm for people is a strong testament to what a great mother she had. My sympathies to the family on your loss.
I’ve had the pleasure of being Tamara’s close friend since our meeting at VSCU in 1986 when our VC grandmothers lived across the street from one another. I’ve had the honor of meeting all the Bybergs. They represent the BEST of families, and Bonnie’s sparkle and sense of adventure was definitely passed along to my friend Tam and her siblings.
My heart goes out to Marlo and all their “‘tweet” kids and families who grieve the vivacious and kind-hearted woman Bonnie was and the difficulty of her last days. May you be comforted by the God of all comfort and many warm memories. Lots of love, Bybergs! “Little Tam”
Your family has been in my thoughts. Sending all a prayer for strength.
Tamara –
Just learned of your mother’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn, but also hopefully reflecting happily upon her well-lived life, and her lasting impact in the hearts of so many.
Tamara, Condolences to the family. Cherish the memories and keep them close at heart. It is always a tuff time, but remember we are thinking of you all
so sorry for your loss! Bonnie always seemed so upbeat and positive!! I always enjoyed her and the kids’ involvement in the community.