Lonna Rae Bruder
Lonna Rae Bruder, 77, of Onaway, died at home Saturday morning, December 18, 2021. One of 15 children born to Owen and Marguerite McLane, Lonna was born in Charlotte July 27, 1944. Having a father who was a carpenter and a mother who was a pastor, it was not surprising that Lonna was involved in the construction of several churches during her lifetime. It was at the Tower Community Church, built by Lonna’s family, that she met Lester A. Bruder in 1975 and where they married May 21, 1976.
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Lonna was involved in ministry and served as an assistant pastor to her mother as well as filling in for other pastors in the area. Devoted to her Christian faith, she knew the Bible very well and was dedicated to serving God and his people. With her beautiful deep singing voice, Lonna also shared her love of Jesus through song and music. Quite talented, she loved all the good ol’ fashioned gospel favorites. In recent years, Lonna was a member of Under His Wings Ministries in Alpena and worshipped at Agape Fellowship in Onaway.
Through the years, Lonna worked as a dental hygienist for a time and as a librarian in Indian River. Working at the library suited Lonna quite well as she was very well read. Of all the jobs she had during her life, Lonna’s favorite job was being a homemaker, wife, and mother to her children. She was devoted to her family and only wanted the best for them. She taught her children to have faith in God, to work hard, and to be respectful to others.
Lonna had a passion for shopping, which she passed on to her daughters. She loved finding a good deal and especially loved getting something for free. The queen of thrift store shopping and garage sales, Lonna always came home with something for everyone. She was always on the look-out for red glass to add to her growing assortment and unique items for her chicken collection. She sewed, knitted, and was known for making the best homemade candy. Lonna’s pralines, caramels and peanut brittle was absolutely divine.
One of a kind, Lonna was a fiery Irish lady full of sass and a great sense of humor. She was blunt, bold and could be a bit loud. One always knew where they stood with Lonna as she tended to speak her mind. She was known to yell a little bit, but only if she loved you. Lonna was genuine in every sense of her being as well as smart, generous and thoughtful. She had a kind and caring heart for helping others, a deep love for her family, and absolutely adored her grandbabies. Lonna will be sadly missed by her children, Jenny (Matt) Badgero of Onaway, Hillary Bruder of Millersburg and Nicholas Gus (Ashley) Bruder of Ocqueoc; her grandchildren, Aurora, Hazen, Agustus, Abbie (Kurtis), Amber, Kaitlyn and Dawson; and grea
Lonna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester Bruder in 2016; twin brothers, Jackie Kay and Bobby Jo, and brothers, Patrick, Carroll, Thomas and Richard; and sisters, Jane Arden and Lonna’s twin, Linda Kay McLane.
Visitation was held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Wednesday, December 22, until the time of the funeral service with the Rev. David Walters officiating. Lonna’s final resting place will be at North Allis Township Cemetery in Onaway. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Lonna to her family to help with final expenses, c/o Chagnon Funeral Home, P.O. Box 480, Onaway, MI 49765.