Bonnie Britson

Bonnie Britson, 95, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at her home.

Bonnie Mae was born on February 3, 1931, in Webster City, Iowa, the daughter of Harold Truman and Esther Johanna (Lillegard) Wentzel. She lived with her grandmother most of her childhood, and her drive and independence started early, taking on a cleaning job at Foster’s Mortuary and also working at the local grocery store.

On Easter weekend in 1948, she attended a dance and met Everett Britson. A little mishap while walking to the car led to Bonnie’s shoes being ruined in the mud, but she soon forgave him after he wrote an apology letter backwards to her that she had to read in a mirror. The couple married later that year on November 25th at the English Lutheran Church in Webster City. The couple was blessed with four children, Rolene, Nancy, David and Ann. The first few years of their marriage they lived with Everett’s parents on a farm outside of Radcliffe in Hamilton County, Iowa. Everett’s parents absolutely adored Bonnie. In 1950, the couple moved to an acreage and in 1953 to Webster City.

In 1965, the family moved to Atlantic when Everett purchased Voss Manufacturing and later opened Hawkeye Electric, Inc. No matter what business venture Everett was on Bonnie was right alongside supporting and helping in any way she could. Bonnie kept busy as a stay-at-home Mom; which included being active in PTA and always being very involved in the kid’s various activities and clubs. She did seamstress work for others and also made most of her daughters’ clothing. The kids recall the time she spent on the elaborate outfits for the Centennial celebrations in Webster City and Atlantic.

Bonnie was a member of Eastern Star. She was an active church member both in Webster City and in Atlantic at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible School and organizing countless funeral lunches. Bonnie was faithful to her family, friends and in living her life as a believer in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In recent months when she couldn’t get to church, she made sure she found a service on TV and she could be heard joyously singing with the choir.

A book was always within reach; she was an avid reader! Not only did she check out many from the library over the years but she also exchanged large bags of books with her friends. Bonnie crocheted afghans for milestones in her family and friends' lives and caps for newborns at the hospital. Bonnie and Everett kept in close contact with his family and celebrated Christmas with the traditional Norwegian meal together up into the 90’s. She made Lefse and Kringla for family gatherings, having learned the technique while living with her parents-in-law. Her other specialties in the kitchen were her homemade chicken and noodles and ham balls.

Bonnie’s kind and generous spirit will forever be remembered! She will be deeply missed by many including her children, Rolene Britson, Nancy (Randy) Lehman, David Britson, and Ann (Tim) Davis; grandchildren, Zort Jason Brown, Christopher (Brit) Lehman, Whitney Jensen, Daniel Britson, Sarah (Michael Rasmussen) Britson, Cale Thomas (fiancé, Haley Walker) Davis, and Sidney (Sean) Joelson; great-grandchildren, E5 Petty Officer Second Class Zort Caleb Brown, Rett Michael Joelson and Baker Scott Joelson; her Linn Street neighborhood family; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold “Whitey” and Esther Wentzel; husband, Everett Britson; brother, Loran Wentzel; grandson-in-law, Jason Jensen; parents-in-law, Orvie and Hattie Britson; and Everett’s siblings and their spouses.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic, with Pastor Lauri Boysen officiating. Immediately following the service, the family invites you to join them for a time of visitation and lunch in the fellowship hall. Burial will be at a later date in the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed in her memory to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the Atlantic Public Library.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Bonnie's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.