1964 - 2026
Bonnie Jean Nickelson Unruh, 62, died peacefully Sept. 11 in Cherokee. Affectionately known as “Mimi,” she faced cancer while surrounded by family.
Bonnie was born July 5, 1964, in McPherson, Kansas, and was immediately adopted by Darrell and Gladys Nickelson. After moving from Kansas to South Dakota and back, they settled in Tulsa. Bonnie graduated from Catoosa High School and earned her degree from the former Oklahoma Junior College. A jack-of-all trades, Bonnie worked various jobs from waitressing to cook to office manager to helping run a motel.
Bonnie was an office manager at Wisdom Roofing in Tulsa when she was set up on a blind date with the love of her life, Dennis. They began dating in 1994 and married in 2001, moving to Cherokee in 2004. Together, they blended and expanded a family, which led to a larger family and the nickname “Mimi” being formed for her nine grandchildren.
Bonnie loved football — particularly the Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys — and crime shows, often watching “Law & Order” and “The First 48” on repeat. She was loud, opinionated and tough. But nothing brought her more joy than family.
She is survived by her husband Dennis, son Shaun Nickelson and wife Kate, son Jacob Unruh and wife Ashley Keeling, daughter Sarah, and daughter Rachel and husband Jeffery. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service is pending.
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