Bonna Stern, 88, of Sand Lake

Bonna Joyce Stern, of Grant Township (Sand Lake), passed away very peacefully at the Lakeview Manor Healthcare Center in Tawas City under the loving care of her family and hospice, age 88 years. Bonna was born in Snover, Michigan to the late Lorn and Muriel (McIntosh) Hartel. She married her husband and best friend, Allan “Ike” Stern on April 30, 1955 at the Capac Lutheran Church in Capac, Michigan. Together the couple celebrated 63 beautiful years of marriage and welcomed 3 sons into their family. During their lives together, Bonna and Ike owned and operated Al’s Party Store in Sand Lake for about 7 years. At the store, Bonna was known for her delicious sandwiches she created in the deli. After she and Ike sold the Party Store, Bonna went to work for the Tawas St. Joseph Hospital, primarily in the housekeeping department for 20 years. Her family and friends will always remember how active and involved she was with her local community and just how much love Bonna would give by her willingness to help any friend or neighbor. Bonna absolutely loved being outdoors and especially keeping her garden and flower beds colorful and vibrant! Assisting her neighbors with yardwork truly brought a sense of satisfaction to Bonna’s heart, as she simply loved doing anything she could to help others. In her Sand Lake community, Bonna was actively involved with the Women’s Auxiliary for many years, and as a matter of fact, she was respected as one of the original founding members of the Auxiliary. She and Ike had a motorhome and they enjoyed traveling all over, seeing new sights, and just getting away to do fun activities outdoors. Bonna’s legacy will be forever cherished by each and every person who had the chance to know and love her! Bonna is survived by her 2 loving sons, Bart (Kristi) Stern and Brett (Shannon Sidebottom) Stern, both of Sand Lake; grandchildren, Mason (Samantha) Stern, David (Kelly) Stern, Ashley and Kyle Morris; 8 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Bonna is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allan “Ike Stern in 2018; her son Todd Stern in 2021; 2 brothers, Don and Jack Hartel; a sister, Wanda Hicks; and her parents, Lorn and Muriel Hartel. Visitation for Bonna is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. Her funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Reverend Tom Harvey officiating. Bonna will be laid to rest next to her husband Ike in the Pioneer Cemetery in Sand Lake. A luncheon will follow at the Sand Lake Community Center. Those wishing to express their condolences through a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider a donation to the Sand Lake Women’s Auxiliary in Bonna’s name. An online guest registry is available to leave a message of love and support for her family at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.