Bonnie Marie Nile Steiger was the fourth child born to Ralph and Opal Nile on January 3, 1945 in Miles City, Montana. Bonnie spent her childhood and early adulthood in the Howard Valley near Forsyth Montana. Bonnie was baptized as a child of God on May 11, 1948 and confirmed her faith on May 17, 1959. She was active in many community activities including 4H, Girls State, band and choir, Concordia Lutheran Church LWML, and Homemakers Club. Bonnie was a talented seamstress, chef, musician, chicken plucker, equipment operator, and even short only a few flight hours for her solo pilot license. She was known for her dynamo energy that she brought to everything that she did.
Bonnie’s neighbor, Jody Steiger introduced her to her brother-in-law and on July 19, 1964 Bonnie and Frank were married in Concordia Lutheran Church. Bonnie and Frank farmed in Shepherd Montana for a few years and started their family there. They then returned to the Howard Valley to farm until 1974 when they moved to Lovell, Wyoming to farm the Red Flats.
Bonnie and Frank farmed the Red Flats for over 15 years. In addition to farming during this time, Bonnie continued her community service as an organist at St John’s Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School and bringing meals to shut-ins. Her motivation was teaching her 7 children how to live.
Bonnie and Frank moved to Cowley Wyoming in 1990. Bonnie spent the next several years as a dietary manager at North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell then at Powell Valley Healthcare in Powell Wyoming. Bonnie continued to assist and manage the farm business, church activities and teaching her children how to live.
In 2007, Bonnie and Frank returned “home” to retire in Hysham Montana. Bonnie was an active member of the Hysham community. One of her projects was to re-build the Hysham pool. Bonnie brought her energy to this project heading up and helping to organize multiple fundraisers, coordinating with contractors and code enforcement to re-build the iconic pool. Her purpose was to ensure her grandkids had access to the pool when they came to visit. Bonnie was also the founding organizer of the annual Kolb Memorial Corn Feed and Street Fest. Bonnie worked several jobs in the community, always needing an outlet for her endless energy. Bonnie continued her service as an organist and member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hysham and teaching her children and grandchildren how to live.
God gave Bonnie her Crown of Glory Sunday, July 7, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Opal, her sister Maxine, brothers Ray and Frannie Nile, and a pre-term child. Bonnie is survived by her husband of 60 years and their seven children and families: Andy (Laurie), Wade (Paula), Lisa Stevens (Doug), Nila, Cliff (Marylin), David (Jade), Ivan (Lizzie). Fourteen grandchildren: Nathan, Curtis, and Dillon (Dani) Steiger, Ann (Brad) Blauert, Cindy (Ely) Prince, Rachael Steiger; Isaiah, Sarah, and Hannah Comly; Mandy, Shane and Camila Steiger; Russel and Clinton Steiger and eight great-grandchildren.
The lack of Bonnie’s presence leaves a huge hole in all the lives that she touched with her endless joy and energy. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant Bonnie.
Funeral services will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11am. Lunch will follow. Interment will be at Howard Valley Cemetery at 2pm. The family will gather Thursday evening at Frank and Bonnie’s home in Hysham. Friends are welcome to come and pay tribute to Bonnie with us.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Friday July 12, 2024
Concordia Lutheran Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Friday July 12, 2024
Howard Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Kay Davis Berdahl says
To Bonnie’s family,
Bonnie was a part of my Sunday school and Bible school memories. She was a great singer and was always smiling. My deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Vickie Krause says
So sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing, but having heard what she went thru the last three years, she’s not hurting anymore. Bonnie & I grew up together in Howard Valley. We spent many hours swimming, horseback riding & just being kids. She was my big sister in 4 H. All we have are memories.
Eva Young says
Sorry to hear about Bonnie’s passing, she will be greatly missed. She always had a kind word and a smile for everyone she met .
Pamela Ash says
My childhood playmate! 😥