Bonita "Bonnie" Jean Dunnell

Bonita Jean (Fitze) Dunnell passed away at home in Fargo, ND on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 after a valiant battle against cancer. Bonita’s husband (Charles), son (Nathan), and sister-in-law (Sylvia) were present at the time of her passing. Bonita’s youngest son from Oregon (Joshua) would often connect via video chat as Grandma Bonnie adored talking with her two granddaughters (Ellery and Amelie) and daughter-in-law (Rachael) in the final weeks of her battle. Grandma Bonnie made it a point to travel to Oregon as late as March of 2024, to visit her Oregon family, and was able to meet and hold her youngest granddaughter. Grandma Bonnie and her calm, loving, positive demeanor and beautiful smile will be forever remembered.

Bonita was born on March 1st, 1945 in Owatonna, MN to her parents James and Mary Fitze. Bonita attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and taught in Fargo, ND at Lincoln Elementary School for 44 years. On June 20th of 1970 she married her husband (Charles) in a beautiful ceremony at Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo. Bonita and Charles had two children (Joshua and Nathan) and Bonita loved her family more than anything else.

Bonita was known for the passion she had with her students and the love she had for her family and friends. Bonita read more books in a month than most people read in a lifetime. She especially enjoyed the mystery genre and also books related to the Holocaust. She was also known to carry a book of puzzles, with cryptograms and crosswords being two of her favorites.

Charles and Bonita were known for their daily walks, through winter and summer weather extremes, in South Fargo. During the summer months, Bonita and her family could often be found on local golf courses enjoying their time with each other and during winter months downhill skiing. Bonita continued the walks for as long as her body allowed.

Bonita was preceded in death by her parents (James and Mary Fitze). Bonita is survived by her husband (Charles), sisters (Barbara and Robin), son in Fargo (Nathan), and son and his family in Oregon (Joshua, Rachael, Ellery, Amelie, and Nanook). Bonita was loved by all who met her, including family, students, co-workers, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite charity would be appreciated. Bonita’s life was extended substantially due to targeted cancer therapies, making cancer research or any charity focused on families or youth an amazing way to honor her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be announced in The Fargo Forum when known.

Arrangements provided by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home.