Harriette Rebecca Bondhus, 87, of Westbrook passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025 surrounded by her family. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family burial will be in the Westbrook Cemetery at a later date. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Harriette was born in Slayton, MN to Willie and Clara (Svien) Nelson on April 15, 1937. She was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbook. Harriette received her education at Double Lake Country School and Westbrook High School, class of ’55. While in high school she met Lee Bondhus of the rival Storden Tigers. They were married on December 27, 1957 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Growing up on a farm, Harriette developed a strong work ethic and a deep love for 4H. She spent countless hours at the fairgrounds showing livestock and displaying the beautiful clothing she made. Harriette earned many ribbons and awards on her exhibits and was named fashion queen at the MN State Fair. After receiving her teaching degree from Waldorf College, Harriette began teaching in Brookings, SD while her husband Lee attended South Dakota State University. She continued her teaching career in Storden, MN, Grand Rapids, MI and Waverly, IA. Weekends in Waverly you would find Harriette cheering for the Wartburg Knights football team. On December 31, 1973, Lee and Harriette purchased a hunting and fishing resort in Northern MN. This is where she developed her love for the outdoors and fishing. This love continued throughout her life and included numerous fishing trips with her favorite fishing guide – Lee. In 1978, Harriette supported Lee while he started his career working in the insurance industry in Storden and later Esko. Known for her exceptional culinary skills, Harriette’s kitchen was always filled with the aroma of delicious meals and desserts. Her recipes will be treasured by those who had the pleasure of tasting her creations. She loved to entertain with her seasonally appropriate table settings. Her passion for sewing was evident in the beautiful garments and quilts she crafted with care. Harriette was also highly involved with her church and many community organizations where she dedicated her time and energy to making a positive impact. Harriette will be remembered for her eye for fashion and love for hats. She once told her granddaughter, “Never be afraid to be the only one wearing a hat in the room”. Above all, her family was her pride and joy. She was a devoted mother to her two sons Mark and Tom and a loving mother-in-law to their wives. She was also a proud grandma and great-grandmother. Watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and sharing in all their accomplishments gave her great joy. As she leaves this world, we know Harriette looks forward to being reunited with her beloved husband Lee, who passed away 14 years ago. Their love story continues beyond this life, bringing comfort to those who mourn her loss.
Harriette is survived by her sons Mark (Sarah) of River Falls, WI, and Tom (Nadine) of Roseville, MN; 6 grandchildren: Jessica of Eau Claire, WI, Elizabeth (Aaron) Croes of Martell, WI, Karissa of Balsam Lake, WI, Shane (Bailey) of Madison, WI, Vince and Rhiannon of Roseville, MN; great grandchildren Amelia, Sylvia, Brennan, Kensington, Harrison, Lainey and Melody; siblings: Phyllis (Lee) of Westbrook, MN and Carol of Arvada, WY. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lee, sister Kathleen and great-grandchild Alana.
