Bonnie Jean Schultz, 83, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and a family who will forever cherish the remarkable woman she was.

Bonnie was born on September 19, 1942, in Michigan, North Dakota, the third child of Mons and Julia (Berdahl) Aafedt. She was raised on the family farm in Michigan, where she attended school and graduated from Michigan High School in 1961. Following high school, Bonnie attended Interstate Business College in Fargo.

On June 8, 1963, Bonnie married the love of her life, Merle Schultz. Together, they built their life in Michigan, North Dakota, where they raised their four children: Julie, Corey, Karla, and Michael.

Bonnie was a woman who found great joy in taking care of others. She spent many years cooking for the community at the Kite Cafe, where her warmth, hard work, and cooking brought people together. After the Kite Cafe closed, Bonnie began working at Fargo Assembly, where she continued until her retirement.

But above all else, Bonnie was a mom and a grandma. Her family was her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. She loved watching her children build their own families and took great pride in every one of her grandchildren. She traveled to countless activities, cheering from the sidelines and being there for the people she loved.

Bonnie loved staying busy and being around people. She enjoyed playing Bunco, having coffee with the ladies, cruising slowly on the pontoon, and especially traveling to Medora. She loved watching her grandchildren at their activities and was always ready for a competitive game of Phase 10. In her later years, she enjoyed diamond art and creating beautiful pieces. Bonnie found joy in simple things, good friends, and most of all, her family.

And then there was Bonnie herself—our 4'9" ball of fire. She may have been small in stature, but she had a personality that filled every room. She had a crooked pointer finger that you did not want pointed at you, especially if you were on the receiving end of one of Mom's famous looks or words of wisdom.

Bonnie's greatest legacy is the family she leaves behind.

She is survived by her wonderful and extremely well behaved children, Julie (Al) Colemer of Forman, ND; Corey (Natalie) Schultz of West Fargo, ND; Karla Schultz of West Fargo, ND; and Michael (Josi) Schultz of West Fargo, ND; her grandchildren, Hannah Colemer, Matthew Colemer, Nicholas (Christine) Schultz, Justin (Laura) Janke, Jordyne (Thomas) Lee, Allison Schultz, and Alexis Schultz; and her great-grandchildren, Owen and Easton Janke and Bexley, Tayte, and Bridger Lee. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Joan Aafedt, Maureen Schultz, and Susie Schultz along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mons and Julia Aafedt; her husband, Merle Schultz; her brothers, Leland Aafedt and Toby Aafedt; sisters-in-law Ruth Aafedt and Donna Sell; and brothers-in-law Duane Schultz and Bill Schultz.

Bonnie passed away at Sanford Medical Center, with her family by her side. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the medical staff and care team who cared for Bonnie and supported our family during her final hours. Their kindness, compassion, and care will always be remembered.

There truly are no words to express how deeply Bonnie will be missed. Her place at family gatherings, her laughter, her stories, her competitive spirit, and, yes, that crooked pointer finger, will never be forgotten.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was our mom—our 4'9" ball of fire—and she will be missed forever.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we are grateful for the years we were blessed to have her. Her love lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in all the lives she touched.

Bonnie will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Like her friend Betty said, “she was so easy to Love”

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Michigan Lutheran Church.

A graveside service will be held at Michigan Cemetery at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2026.