The memorial folder for Coral can be viewed by clicking on either of the photos above.

Coral Bonnemann, 89, of Brookings, passed away on April 21, 2020, at the United Living Community.  A Celebration of Coral's Life will be 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brookings.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Coral Ellen, we grieve your passing but remember the legacy you leave behind. To those who knew her, she was warm, welcoming, smart, witty, patient, and an inspiration. There was always a cup of strong coffee or tea waiting at the kitchen table encouraging you to sit down and visit or reminisce. Coral had a wisdom and knowledge she invested into those around her; always seeming to understand them with a deep insight and care. She invested in people because she wanted them to succeed, to do and be their best. She invested in her community through different avenues of service for the same reason, wanting the best for her community and to see it succeed.

Coral was not easily intimidated, she made you realize it was the impression that you made, not where you were from that was important.

Coral Ellen Coffey Bonnemann was born February 1, 1931 in Huron, SD to Frank and Tessie Burroughs Coffey. She passed away peacefully at United Living Community in Brookings, SD on April 21, 2020 at the age of 89.

She attended Huron Public Schools, graduating in 1949. Coral continued her education at South Dakota State College graduating with a degree in Clinical Medical Technology in 1953. She worked as a lab director in Rapid City, Belle Fourche and Newell, SD.

Coral married Joseph J. Bonnemann at Grace Episcopal Church in Huron on July 4, 1954. They celebrated 60 years of marriage and were the parents of 3 children.

First and foremost, Coral was a homemaker and mother, but reflected the qualities of a professional volunteer through her involvement in Girl Scouts, the State Board of United Ministries in Higher Education (UMHE), the Brookings Hospital Board of Trustees, SD Council on Hospital Governance, and American Hospital Association Council on Governance where she gave many seminars across the United States on "The Role of the Trustee in Small and Rural Hospitals."  Coral was honored for her dedicated service to the hospitals of Brookings, the State of South Dakota, and the Nation with the "Coral C. Bonnemann Day" by then Governor George S. Mickelson. She was also awarded the Liberty Bell Award for "Service to Community" and was nominated for Spirit of Dakota.

Coral was a life-long member of the Episcopal Church attending at St. Paul's, Brookings, since 1961. She served at all levels of leadership at St. Paul's as well as coordinating a Wednesday worship service for shut-ins and other "elderly" church members hosted at Brookview Manor, St. Paul's and various locations on the United Living Center campus for over 30 years. She also served on SD Episcopal Diocese 'Council on Evangelism' and completed a 4-year Education for Ministry (EFM) Course. She sang in church choirs for more than 60 years.

A lifelong learner interested in knowing and understanding diverse people, places, and topics; she and Joe attended 24 Elderhostel's in the US and Canada and travelled in all 50 of the United States and nine Canadian Provinces. She was a 70-year pin member of PEO and held most local offices. She was also a member of Brookings Hospital Auxiliary, SDSU Faculty Wives, Friends of the Library, Ag Heritage Museum, and many other organizations. Her hobbies included raising African violets, reading mysteries, and playing cribbage.

Coral was preceded in death by her husband Joe and her parents.

Family left to proudly carry on her legacy include: Barbara (Richard) Robideau, Sheldon, IA; Brenda (R. Kim) Moline, Rapid City, SD; Howard (Diana Christiansen) Bonnemann, Brookings, SD. Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren: Kathrine (Drew) Stevens and Emerson, Yankton, SD; Laurel (Derek) Hanson and Remi Jo, Elk Point, SD; Tessie (Christian) Hawkins, Henry and Victoria, Rapid City, SD;  Logan Robideau, Sheldon, IA; Marisa (Ian) Krekelberg, Huron, SD; Elias Bonnemann, Brookings; Rebekah Bonnemann, Brookings.

The family wishes to convey their deepest gratitude for the caring staff of ULC and Aseracare Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to:

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

726 6th St.

Brookings, SD 57006

The South Dakota State University Foundation

815 Medary Ave

Brookings, SD 57006

directed to either the Coral C. Bonnemann Scholarship in Medical Technology, or the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum

or:

The Family of Coral Bonnemann

C/O Eidsness Funeral Home

1617 Orchard Drive

Brookings, SD 57006