Bonita "Bonnie" Brilz

Bonita “Bonnie” Brilz, 83, Bismarck, went home to the Lord on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 Noon Monday, August 29, at Church of St. Mary, Bismarck, with Rev. Msgr. Gene Lindemann. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Sunday, August 28, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a vigil service will begin at 7:00 pm. Burial will be held at Mandan Union Cemetery. Bonnie was born July 23, 1933, the youngest of five children, born to Adolf and Myrtle (Hewitt) Kovar, on her parent’s farm north of Flasher. She attended eight years at Big Bend Morton County Country School and then attended Mandan High School. Bonnie worked at National T Grocery Store, First National Bank, retouched pictures for many photographers, and did bookkeeping for Brilz TV Service. But what Bonnie considered to be her most important job was taking care of her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She married Leonard Brilz on November 25, 1952, in Mandan, ND. Bonnie made every Christmas a special memory for all of her grandchildren. She was known for her apple and rhubarb cake, potato salad, pickles, egg salad sandwiches, and banana split dessert. Bonnie lived life with a gentle strength. She had a quick wit and a good sense of humor. She loved holding and playing with all of her grandchildren. Bonnie loved and cared for countless lucky animals. She enjoyed working outside, gardening, training horses and dogs. Being loved by her is our legacy. Bonnie will be loved and missed forever by everyone who knew her. Bonnie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Leonard; her children, Barry (JoAnn) Brilz, Kim (Myron) Wutzke, and her grandchildren, Nick (Sarah) Brilz, Ben (Morgan) Brilz, Lacey (Ethan) Brilz, Josh (Larissa) Brilz, Jake (Alex) Wutzke and Josie Wutzke; her great-grandchildren, Danica, Gabby and Porter; her brother, Bud (Arlette) Kovar ; a very dear friend, Dolly Feland; many loved nieces and nephews; and her kitty cat, Callie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Louie (Minnie) Kovar; and her sisters, Blondina (Burt) Fahlgren and Amy (Ray) Anderson. The family wishes to give a special thank you to Msgr. Gene Lindemann for his comfort and compassion. “Well done, good and faithful servant”