Mineral Point - Bonnie Jean Goninen, age 91, of Mineral Point, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016.

She was born on January 4, 1925, the daughter of Floyd and Mildred Whitford. Jean graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1942. She spent the early part of her adult life farming and raising a family in the Mifflin area. In later years, she was employed at Pendarvis in Mineral Point; first as a tour guide and later as the gardener.

Jean was a talented artist and musician; however, she had little opportunity to pursue either field; however, as a young adult, she very much enjoyed singing in the Iowa County Homemaker's Chorus. Perhaps her biggest passion was working with kids. Jean spent a number of years as an adult leader of the Mifflin 4-H club, and hosted a number of exchange students through the years. One of those students, Terry Halpert, became a special lifelong friend. In her later years, Grandma Jean, as almost everyone called her, spent many hours making afghans—one for each new member of her family.

Jean is survived by her partner and soulmate of many years, Don Elmer; her brother Gordon Whitford; four children, Mick (Lynn), Renee Konzak, Richard (Mary Lou), and Shelly (Tom) Rose; seven grandsons, Dan, Dean and Scott Goninen, Rod and Jeff Tremelling, Aaron Goninen, and Garrett and Grant Rose; 14 great grandchildren; 3 great, great grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Keith Whitford, and her grandson Jason Goninen.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016 at the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH in Mineral Point. Rev. Gerhardt Miller will officiate. Burial will be held in Graceland Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Monday at the church.