Bonnie Genin

Bonnie Louise Genin was born on August 3, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Her parents were the late Bernard and Rosella (Koltes) Genin.  Bonnie was baptized at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Growing up in St. Paul, Bonnie graduated from St. Andrew’s Grade School in 1957 and St. Joseph’s Academy in 1961. Bonnie was a competitive baton twirler and was a baton twirler for Great Northern Drum Corps and Pine City Saints Drum and Bugle Corps.

On November 7, 1964 Bonnie was married to Bob Reber at St. Andrew’s and were blessed with three beautiful children: Robert (Rob), Lisa and Michael (Mike). While raising their family in Eden Prairie, Bonnie was employed in the Regional Office for BFI and graduated with honors from Normandale Community College in Bloomington with an AA Degree. Upon moving to Perham after her children were grown, Bonnie worked until her retirement from Perham Health in the business office, and later in the therapy department.

Bonnie was an active volunteer. She held many offices in both the Perham Lakes and Perham Lions clubs and was a current member of the Ottertail Lions club, as well as the Lady Slipper Garden Club. She also was a member of the St. Lawrence Christian Women. Bonnie’s love for dogs led her to a Lion’s Cabinet position representing Can Do Canines. She also was a past 1st Vice District Governor for 5M9, and received several prestigious Lions awards from Melvin Jones, Top Dog and Lions Vision Foundation.

Preceding Bonnie in death were her parents, Bernard and Rosella; sister: Patte Earney-Chavez; her beloved kitty, Callie and dog, Pup-E.

Bonnie is survived by her children: Rob (Karla Schmitt) Reber of Bloomington; Lisa (Abel Sandoval) Reber of Eden Prairie; Mike (Nikki) Reber of Farmington; 6 grandchildren: Garrett Johnson, Adam Reber, Owen Reber, Bella Reber, Charlie Reber, AB Sandoval; many other relatives and a host of friends.

Bonnie will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery, St. Paul, MN, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to: Can Do Canines @ 9440 Science Center Drive in New Hope, MN  55428. 

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