Bonita Jane Covell

Bonita Jane (Bonnie) Covell passed from this life on Feb. 5 at The Benedictine Living Center, St. Peter.  Bonita Jane Meyer was born on January 5, 1925 in Fairmont, MN. to Paul and Flora (DeeBach) Meyer. She attended country school in Granby Township District 39, Junior High in Nicollet, graduated from St. Peter High School and attended secretarial school.

On April 15, 1948 she married Wallace W. (Wally) Covell, son of Dr.  & Mrs. W.W. Covell. They resided in St. Peter owning several businesses in the community, Wally’s Standard Station, Shady Lane Riding Stable and Valley Liquors & Lounge.

Prior to her marriage, Bonnie was employed by the Minnesota Natural Gas Company, St. Peter and by the Metropolitan Insurance Company Farm Labor Division, Mankato. She later worked at the Grandview Nursing Home and in the family businesses before retiring & moving to Sarasota, Florida in 1981. Bonnie also worked at a local newspaper and a school guidance office, both in Sarasota. 

Following her husband’s death in 2000, Bonnie returned “home” to St. Peter to be near family and friends. In later years, she resided at Ecumen Prairie Hill and the Benedictine Living Center. She was a life- long member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary since 1946 where she held positions as Chapter President and Chaplain.

Bonnie is survived by daughters Melanie Covell, (St. Peter, MN) Kathie Covell and husband Bill Larson, Littleton, CO., Lorie Covell-Rients and husband Doug Rients, Oakdale, MN, granddaughters Mikaela Larson, Denver, CO Kaitlyn Larson, Littleton, CO, grandson Tucker Rients, Oakdale, MN and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers and sisters and twin grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Drs.  Amy McNally (MN Oncology) Kristen Holland and Robert Christensen and Nurse Practitioner Sheila Anderson for their medical care and the BLC staff for the compassion and care given these past years.

A Memorial Life Celebration will be held on Sunday Feb. 10 with a Family Reception at 12 noon and a service at 1 p.m. at the St. Peter Funeral Home.  A graveside service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Information and condolences online at: www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com.