Bonnie Kay Schulte

Bonnie Kay Schulte, 73, of Brookings, SD, passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2025, after a long and courageous health battle. Memorial Services have been set 1:30pm Monday, October 13, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the services at Peace Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Rude's Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Bonnie leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering care for those around her.

Bonnie was born on July 15, 1952, in Huron, SD to Richard and Lavonne (Holt) Heimlich. She grew up in Huron, where she graduated from Huron High School in the Class of 1970. Driven by a passion for helping others, she earned her nursing degree from the St. John School of Nursing in Huron in 1973.

Bonnie met her high school sweetheart, Robert H. Schulte, and the two were married in 1973. Though they later divorced in 1997, they shared the deep love of their two daughters, Nicole (Tony) Brower of Volga, SD, and Melissa "Mel" Schulte of Sioux Falls, SD.

Bonnie's life journey took her from her hometown of Huron to Biloxi, MS; Kansas City; Belleville, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Rapid City, SD; and finally, Brookings, SD. No matter where she lived, Bonnie built communities around her through kindness, humor, and generosity. She volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Rapid City, advocating for children in need, and gave her time to the Brookings Summer Arts Festival, Peace Lutheran Daycare, and other community efforts.

Above all, Bonnie was a proud and devoted mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy came from her grandson, Aidan Brower. After his birth, Bonnie moved to be closer to him, treasuring every moment spent watching him grow. She was immensely proud of the young man he has become and warmly welcomed his girlfriend, Emily Knoll, into the family.

Bonnie will be remembered for her radiant smile, quick wit, and over-sized heart. She was a fierce and loyal friend who put others before herself, always ready with a listening ear, a comforting hug, or a plate of homemade cookies. She was the beloved "neighborhood grandma," whose door was always open to children and friends alike. She loved the Kansas City Chiefs and all SDSU teams. The life of every party and tailgate, Bonnie had a gift for making people feel at ease, and her presence lit up every room.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lavonne Heimlich; her brother-in-law, Randy Greenway; her sister-in-law, Rita Schulte; and her dearest friend, Patrice Solyntjes.

She is survived by her daughters Nicole (Tony) Brower and Melissa Schulte; her cherished grandson, Aidan Brower, and his girlfriend, Emily Knoll; and her loving sisters Bobbie Greenway, Billie Howell, and Beckie Jungemann. She also leaves behind a circle of extended family, friends, neighbors, and all those lucky enough to have known her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Bonnie's neighbors in Brookings for their friendship and support, and to the compassionate teams at Brookings Clinic, Brookings Hospital, and The Neighborhoods for their dedicated care.

Bonnie's life was a beautiful reflection of compassion, resilience, and joy. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.