Funeral services for Bonnie Jean Byrne were held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Currie on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, with Fr. Anthony Arokiyam officiating. The organist was Patty LeClaire. The song leader was Matt Kooperud with special music by Heidi Winter. The pallbearers were her grandsons. Interment was at Calvary Cemetery in Currie. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Avera Hospice, Murray County Hospice, IHM Church in Currie or to donor’s choice.
Bonnie Jean Byrne was born on September 3, 1933, on her parents’ farm north of Dovray, Minnesota, to Peter and Jennie (Carter) Byrne. She graduated from Westbrook High School in 1951. On November 8, 1952, Bonnie was united in marriage to Clair Ackerman at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Currie. Together, they raised 10 children on the Ackerman family farm. Clair passed away on February 1, 2016. Bonnie grew up embracing the values of hard work, faith, and family that are inherent in rural life, carrying these principles with her throughout her years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, greatgrandmother and great-great grandmother finding great joy in the presence of her family. Bonnie loved to bake and cook for those she loved, and she was especially known for her delicious cookies, bars, and her famous potato salad, all of which were favorites at family gatherings. She also enjoyed collecting cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, and clocks with Clair.
In her free time, Bonnie took pleasure in playing cards, embroidering, knitting, and crocheting, sharing her handmade creations with family and friends. Bonnie was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Currie, and worked for Swift in Marshall, for several years. Bonnie passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in Westbrook. She reached the age of 92 years, 6 months, and 22 days. Blessed be her memory. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Westbrook Good Samaritan Home and Avera Hospice for the care and attention given to Bonnie during her time there.
Bonnie is survived by her ten children and their spouses: Susan (Brad) Dirks of Redwood Falls; Barbara Lewis of Garvin,; Thomas Ackerman of St. Anthony, MN; Deborah (Clare) Feste of Lake Wilson; Joseph Ackerman of Scandia; Judy (Steve) Bloemendaal of Slayton; Kathleen (Kurt) Soderholm of New Ulm; Ruth (Kevin) Dirks of Waseca; Peter (Nancy) Ackerman of Brooklyn Park; and Douglas Ackerman of Sioux Falls, SD. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brian Dirks, Katy Dirks, Chris (Sara) Lewis, Ben Lewis (Megan Schmidt), Jeff (Joyce) Lewis, Whitney Ridley, Amber (Brett) Struve, Seth Ackerman, Logan (Hillary) Ackerman, Michael (Wendy) Feste, Dr. Jessica (Dr. Nicholas) Dziurkowski, Daniel (Amanda) Feste, Adam (Cathy) Feste, Josh (Debbie) Ackerman, Charlie Torrez (Bobbie Murphy), Becky (Kevin) Erickson, Nicholas Soderholm, Morgan (Eric) Nachreiner, Stacie (Paul) Santema, Michelle (Brent) Heller, Jenny Ackerman, Amelia Ackerman, and Delilah Ackerman. She is also survived by 31 greatgrandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and one sister, Hope (Fred “Sonny” Beierman) of Moses Lake, WA.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Clair; parents, Peter and Jennie Byrne; siblings, Caren Byrne, Larry Byrne, George Byrne, Patty Byrne, and Kate St. Pierre; son-in-law Jack Lewis; honorary daughter-in-law Karen King; step-grandson James Lewis; and grandson Mason Ridley.
Bonnie will be remembered for her loving heart, strength, patience, and the deep care she showed to everyone around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
