Marsha Bonicatto

Marsha was born July 26, 1937, In Eveleth, Minn., the daughter of Darrel and Eliza Jane (Williams) Walstrom. She grew up in the Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota. Marsha married Lawrence Bonicatto on June 25, 1960. She was a lifelong resident of Iron Mountain after receiving her BA in art education, from the University of Minnesota.

Marsha was the first Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools art teacher. She also taught at the parochial schools and the Pembine School District.

She held offices in the Dickinson County Hospital League, Lilja Memorial Trust Fund Committee, Northwoods Garden Club, and TH/FR Study Club. Marsha was also active in the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Women’s Club and Chippewa Club and donated to several nature and wildlife foundations.

She was an accomplished watercolor artist as well as a published children’s book author. She also participated in community theater and played a good tennis game back in her earlier years. She supported her brother who died from the AIDS pandemic in the early ’80s.

She enjoyed cooking, refinishing wood, collecting antiques, outdoors, playing bridge, and music. She was a life member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain, where she served in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School for 13 years.

She is survived by her husband, Lawrence; children, David Bonicatto of West Hollywood, Calif., James (Renee Manning) Bonicatto of Seattle, and Steven Bonicatto of Iron Mountain; siblings, Cynthia Walstrom, Susan (Tom) Gilpin; grandchildren, Pearce Bonicatto, Jack Bonicatto, and Gabriel Bonicatto; numerous nieces; and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother, Darrel.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, April 9, 3 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain; reception to follow from 4 to 5 p.m. at the church. Pastor Geri Hamlen will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Northwoods Garden Club, PO Box 104, Iron Mountain, MI 49801. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at DCH, Dr. Bryan Brazeau, MD, UP Health System-Marquette, Jacob Hakkola, MD, and North Woods Home Care and Hospice, for the compassionate care provided to Marsha and her family.

Condolences to the family of Marsha Bonicatto may be expressed online at ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.