Bonnie Maxine Burchill peacefully left this world on July 15, 2025, at her home at The Legacy Place, with Bob and her children by her side. She was 88. The family feels peace knowing she is celebrating in Heaven with family and friends who have gone before her.

A funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Wednesday, July 23 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.

Bonnie, the daughter of Marian and Bernhard Strathe, was born on May 25, 1937 in Flaxton, ND and lived in Colgate, ND until she graduated from high school there. She was the oldest of four children. As a child she was equally comfortable helping her mom in the kitchen or her daddy on the farm. She married Robert (Bob) Burchill on December 18, 1955. The couple lived in Bremerton, WA and Grand Forks, ND before making Valley City their permanent home. They were proud to celebrate almost 70 years of marriage.

Positive, efficient, and adventurous are three of many words to describe Bonnie. She was well-known for preparing meals for Bob, her family, and friends and could create a delicious feast from whatever ingredients she had on hand. She loved baking, music and traveling. Bonnie made memories snowmobiling, camping, and walking on the beach in Mexico. She valued time spent at their red A-frame at Lake Ashtabula. On Friday nights you would find Bonnie celebrating the week’s end with the couple’s lifelong friends.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, and their children and spouses: Greg (Karen) Burchill; Kristi (Dewey) Schweitzer; Kathy (Mike) Lentz and Karen (Buff) Murray,16 grandchildren and spouses and 19 great grandchildren. Bonnie lived a beautiful life, and all know she is in a better place. She will be missed for her generosity and the warmth of her hugs.

Grandchildren and spouses: Paige (Kyle) Anderson; Jennifer (Ben) Sorenson; Hope Burchill; Kelly (Derick) Mallette; Ashley (Brandon) Nadeau; Stephanie (Luke) Bopp; Derek (Summer) Burchill; Morgan (Caleb) Johnson; Mckenzie Schweitzer, and Ian Schweitzer; Cameron (Haley) Lentz; Tayler (JoLynn) Lentz; Jared Lentz; Emily (Matthew) Cogan; Benton Murray, and Avery Murray.

Additionally, she leaves behind her beloved sister, Patricia (Mark) Lindsey; Sister-in-law, Joy (Roger) Rand; sister-in-law, Sandee Strathe and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Charlotte; parents Marian and Bernhard Strathe; sister and brother-in-law Sharlyn and Harold Davis; and brother, Larry Strathe.

Memorials may be directed to Valley City State Foundation – Burchill Family Scholarship.