Bonnie Starkka Obituary Bonnie Jean Starkka passed away on April 15, 2025, at Essentia Health in Brainerd, Mn. Bonnie was born on May 16, 1951, to Ralph and Marlys (Rowland) Starkka. Bonnie Lived in the Brainerd/Baxter area for all of her life. She lived at home for 8 years and then Cambridge and Brainerd State Hospital. In the mid 80's she moved into one of the first residential group homes for LSS, in Baxter. From then on, she lived a wonderful and full life with her staff and peers in that kind of setting. She also has attended Blue Sky Adult Day Program for several years, where she was able to tap into her creative, artistic side with many watercolors and other craft items she made there. She has now entered heavens gates to reunite with all the family members that have passed before her. She no longer has to be restricted by a disability she had her whole life but can now speak clearly and do so many other things that have been difficult for her. In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her sister, Grace Sheehan and brother David Starkka. She is survived by her sister, Nancy Quance (Pat) of Staples, nieces and nephews, Naomi Sullivan (Scott) of Staples, Rebecca Sheehan of Duluth, Mary Sheehan (Jeremy) of LaMar, Missouri, Jeremiah Sheehan (Stacie} of Deerwood, and James Sheehan of LaMar, Missouri. She is also survived by 11 great nieces and nephews. Also, many cousins and staff and peers at the home where she lived. She was a sweet little lady, barely over 5 ft tall, but loved by many and remembered by many in the love she had for giraffes. She was given many different stuffed animals, pictures, figurines, etc. of giraffes by the many people who knew her. Her bedroom at home was literally like a giraffe sanctuary. Overflowing with giraffes of many different sizes and shapes. One of her favorite activities in the warmer months was to go to Safari North Zoo in Brainerd to feed the giraffes. Services will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 11am, at the Nelson-Doran Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather at 10am for a visitation, and to stay for a luncheon immediately following the service.