Bonnie K. Ehlen

Bonnie K. Ehlen, 70, died peacefully at her home in Troy on April 16, 2026, of natural causes.

Bonnie was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Alvin and Leona (Bosch) Ruegger on Sept. 17, 1955. She was raised and educated in Sioux Falls and in 1973, she married Wade Ehlen. They lived in Sioux Falls for 20 years before moving to Troy in 1993. They both felt as if they had come home and were quickly accepted into the community. 

Bonnie had worked as a veterinary technician and pet groomer in Sioux Falls, but when she came to Troy, she started bartending and eventually became manager of the Troy VFW. She retired from that position in 2012 and spent her later years enjoying her garden, her friends and her cats.

Bonnie was an avid animal lover and rescued many animals over the years. She even saved the bats that would fall through the ceilings of some of the old buildings in Troy. She was also an introvert, so sometimes it was hard getting her to leave her house, but if there was an animal involved….she’d be right there! 

She was a caring friend to all who knew her and wouldn’t hesitate to help however she could.

Bonnie is survived by her sisters, Sandra Carey and Sherry Steyskal, both of Nebraska; father-in-law, Nick Ehlen of Sioux Falls; sister-in-law, Pam Case of Seattle; several nephews; and a niece. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Wade; brother-in-laws, Merlyn Carey, Joe Steyskal and Jeff Ehlen; and nephew, Mark Carey.

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.