Obituary of Bonnie Rae Laird

Bonnie Rae Laird—beloved friend and family member, community servant, adventurous world traveler, and devoted Green Bay Packer fan—entered eternal life on June 13, 2023, at age 80. She passed peacefully at her home in Bloomington, MN.

Bonnie was born to Dorothy and Benjamin Laird in Appleton, WI on June 22, 1942. The family moved to the Green Bay area when she was a toddler. In her youth, she enjoyed competitive swimming, skiing, following Milwaukee Braves baseball, and spending time with her Aunt Isabel, who founded the library in Kaukauna, WI.

While attending Green Bay East High School, where Green Bay Packers played before Lambeau Field was built, she started a lifelong love of “the Pack.” Even when she moved to Minnesota, she faithfully drove to Green Bay for every home game. Whenever she saw someone wearing Packer gear, she’d tell them she appreciated it with a “Go, Pack, Go!” or similar remark.

In 1960, Bonnie returned to Appleton to attend Lawrence University, where she got degrees in teaching German and math. Her years at Lawrence were very special to her. She said they helped her develop a curiosity for learning and become her own person.

Later in life, she held several leadership roles on the Lawrence University Alumni Association board of directors, was instrumental in organizing many Class of 1964 reunion celebrations, and stayed connected to her classmates as their class agent. In recognition of her service, she was honored with Lawrence’s Gertrude B. Jupp Outstanding Service Award. In the 1990s, Bonnie and her mother (also a Lawrence graduate) established the Bonnie R. Laird and Dorothy Brenner Laird scholarship—which will continue the Laird family’s legacy of learning.

After graduating from Lawrence, Bonnie moved to Bloomington, MN and taught German and math for decades. She loved teaching, especially at the junior high level. While teaching in Bloomington, she served on numerous curriculum committees, chaired the foreign language department, and co-led a large school ski club for several years. Additionally, Bonnie taught at a Department of Defense school in Baumholder, Germany—teaching German to children in American military families. She made life-long friendships everywhere she went, and Germany was no exception.

When Bonnie retired, she didn’t slow down. Over the years, she took on several volunteer roles, such as comforting people in the local hospital ICU and helping travelers navigate the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, where she was awarded the MSP Nice Award for customer service. Bonnie was also an election judge for local and national elections for several decades.

Additionally, Bonnie had many hobbies and interests. She loved travel and especially outdoor activities. For example, she hiked the Grand Canyon, walked the Appalachian Trail, and went skiing all over the world. She swam in the Minneapolis Aquatennial and pre-Olympic events.

Bonnie also enjoyed having people over for dinner, playing games, and socializing with the neighbors. She always had the prettiest yard on the block. And all the neighbor kids knew they would need to do math “tricks” to get their trick-or-treat candy.

More than anything, Bonnie was devoted to her family. Nicknamed “Bugaboo” or “Buga” by her grandnieces and nephews, she played hours of Candyland and did other activities with the kids. Her Christmas English toffee and Thanksgiving cranberries were legendary. She made family members feel special with stories, homemade cards, and signs.

Bonnie is survived by her siblings, Laurie Lamberg, William (Peggy) Laird, Benjamin (MaryJane Rintelmen) Laird, and one cousin Dick Laird. She will also be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews, Karin (Philipp) Lamberg/Strazny, Erin (Brandon) Yoemans, Ryan (Jennifer) Lamberg, Jessica (John) Janzter, Adam (Clint) Laird, Nicole Laird, Emily (Eric) Schaefer, Amy (Nate) Fritz, Lisa (Jay) Gill, and many grandnieces and nephews.

Thank you to Promedica Hospice, Legacy Home Care, Barb Pierce, MaryJane Rintelman, and Christina Stockton for all of their love and care, making Bonnie’s last days comfortable.

In respect of Bonnie’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held. She will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Green Bay, WI, alongside her parents. A time of sharing stories about Bonnie will be held on July 8th from 2-4 pm at 10309 Wildwood Road in Bloomington.