Bonnie Jane ‘BJ’ Wieland Degen, 92, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 5, 2014, at the Courtyard at Coeur d’Alene.
She is survived by by her three children, Denise, Tom, and Marilyn; six grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
Degen was born on March 10, 1922 in Bertha, Minn., to Fred J. and Erma (Pollman) Wieland. She was the youngest of four daughters, graduating from Washburn High school in Minneapolis in 1940.
She married Richard “Dick” M. Degen in 1942. She was artistic and enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, singing, painting, flower arranging, baking, and shell collecting. She volunteered wherever she lived and was a member of glee clubs and church choirs for most of her life.
Degen enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Dodgertown Ladies Golf League in Vero Beach where she and her husband lived for many years. The Degen’s took numerous trips in their motor home, visiting friends and family and exploring new places. One of their more memorable trips was their sojourn to Alaska in 1979.
She always saw the best in people and greeted each new day with hope and optimism, a smile and a song. Her cheerful nature and sweet singing voice will be missed.
A remembrance for Bonnie will be held at a later date in Vero Beach. The family thanks the staff at The Courtyard at Coeur d’Alene for their help in caring for Bonnie.
Donations can be made in Degen’s name at www.alz.org.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.
