Bonnie Lou Dinkel

Bonnie Lou (Anderson) Dinkel, age 91, passed away in Wasilla, Alaska, on September 7, 2025.

Bonnie was born on April 28, 1934, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Later that year, her family relocated to a farm near Blooming Prairie, where she was raised. She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in the spring of 1952 and enrolled at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus, majoring in Home Economics. In college, Bonnie met Donald Dinkel - “that guy from Alaska!”- and they began dating. They became engaged in the spring of 1953 and were married on June 13, 1954, the day after Don graduated. The following day, they headed to Alaska with all their worldly possessions packed into a two-door Ford. (Bonnie had never been farther north than the Twin Cities or outside Minnesota before.)

Don served 20 months in the Army in Anchorage and worked summers at the Experiment Farms in Palmer and Fairbanks. Their daughter Kris was born in 1955 in Anchorage. In 1956, the family returned to Minnesota, where Don pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. Their son David was born in 1957 during Don’s studies. After Don’s graduation, the family moved back to Palmer for his position at the Experiment Station. Their son Gene was born in 1960, followed by daughter Debbie in 1963. In 1966, the family relocated to Ames, Iowa, where Don taught and worked in Extension at Iowa State University. But Alaska called again, and in 1968, they moved to Fairbanks, where Don became head of the horticulture department at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Experiment Station. While raising four children, Bonnie completed her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics at UAF in 1972. In 1982, with Don’s retirement approaching and the children grown, they settled permanently in Wasilla.

In retirement, Bonnie remained active in the community. She was a dedicated member of Family & Community Education (Extension Homemakers), the Pioneers of Alaska, and several quilting guilds. She devoted many years of service to Valley Community Recycling Solutions, including 18 years as a board member. Bonnie was a long-time and faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, serving in various roles, including Clerk of Session for 30 years.

Bonnie had a zest for life. One of her favorite sayings was, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” She embodied this spirit throughout her life up until God called her home. When she transitioned to assisted living this year, Bonnie embraced the change with grace and enthusiasm - keeping to-do lists, joining field trips, going shopping, and continuing to find joy in each day.

Bonnie is survived by her son David Dinkel; daughter Debora (Ray) Steffen; grandchildren Brenna Dinkel, Luke Steffen, and Lauren Steffen; and brother Richard Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Dinkel; children Gene Dinkel and Kris Dinkel; siblings George Anderson, Avis Anderson, and Virginia Anderson; and parents Viggo and Agnes Anderson.

A celebration of life will be held on September 24 at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, 1375 E Bogard Road, Wasilla, AK 99654, with Pastor Henry Woodall (retired) officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.