Bonnie Schell, 78, Granville, died Thursday, April 20, 2023, in a Minot hospital.
Bonnie was born August 3, 1944, in Minot, ND to Alvin and Harriet (Barkus) Brabandt. She was raised and educated in Granville and attended Granville High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. After graduation she moved to Minot and held various jobs.
In 1965, she married William (Bill) Schell Jr. They made their home in Upham, ND where they raised 3 children, 1 daughter, Becky and 2 sons, Brian and Brandon. During this time, she helped on the family farm and worked at the Towner Nursery. They later divorced.
Bonnie moved back to Granville and met her life partner Leonard Johnson in 1988. During this time, she worked in Minot at Minot Paint and Marine, and waitressed and baked at The Pantry, Greenhouse Café, and then for Memorial Diner in Granville.
Bonnie’s love was the Memorial Diner of Granville – it was her home away from home. She enjoyed the food and visiting on a daily basis. She had a great love for BINGO along with spending time with family and friends.
Although she had no grandkids of her own (only furry ones), she was able to share and be involved with Leonard’s, whom she truly loved and cherished.
She was a trooper with all the obstacles she endured during her 7 year battle with cancer. Even with all the pain she endured, she always had a smile and a good laugh.
Bonnie is survived by her children Becky Schell, Minot, Brian Schell, Minot and Brandon Schell, Surrey; brother Ronnie (Vickie) Brabandt and niece Jordan Brabandt and nephew Lance (Angela) Brabandt and their children Meadow and Boston Brabandt.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and partner Leonard Johnson.
Celebration of Life for Bonnie Schell: 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023, at Hope Congregational United Church of Christ, Granville, ND with visitation held one hour prior to the start of the service in the church.
Interment: Granville Cemetery, Granville, ND
Memorials are preferred to the Granville Cemetery.
