Bonnie J Kruger

Bonnie June Kruger, 89, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN, cherished and deeply loved by her family.

Bonnie was born July 27, 1936 in Duluth, MN to Bernard & Violet (Vogel) Trader. She graduated from Stanbrook Hall and worked at Oliver Iron Mining (U.S. Steel). She met and married the love of her life, Kenneth Kruger, on January 17, 1959. In January 2025 they celebrated 66 years of marriage before the passing of her beloved Kenny.

They moved to Silver Bay in 1965 where they raised their two children, Beth and Kris.

Bonnie was a clerk for the Township of Beaver Bay, prepared taxes for the businesses and community, owned and operated the Silver Bay Shopper and K&B Printing for 13 years. She then worked for Norwest/Wells Fargo before retiring in 2007. After retiring she volunteered for the AEOA and North Shore Area Partners and greatly enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She was a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Chamber of Commerce, Finland Snowmobile Club, Golden Agers, and a board member of the Bay Area Historical Society.

She and Kenny wintered in Texas for 17 years, helping in activities of Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr TX. Bonnie and Kenny moved into Silver Bay January 2023 to SilverPointe Apartments where they enjoyed the friendship and activities with the other amazing residents. She loved her family, community, church and friends.

Preceding her in death were her loving husband of 66 years, Ken, her parents and a brother Bernard (Smokey) Trader and her daughter-in-law Lisa (Vopat) Kruger.

Bonnie is survived by her son Kris Kruger and daughter Beth (Mike) Shamhart. Granddaughters (her Dollies) Katie Vopat, Lauren Shamhart, Kelli Shamhart, Emilee (Cory) Bersinger, Hannah Kruger, Morgan (Shaun) Baker, Natalie (Cole) Dunn and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Silver Bay followed by a luncheon. Burial will be held at Sawtooth Mountain Cemetery following the luncheon.