Shirley Bondegard

Shirley JoAnne (Fraass) Bondegard, also known as Shirl, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2023, at the age of 78, in Holdrege, Nebraska. Born on May 12, 1945, in Sidney, Nebraska, she was the beloved daughter of Don and Niccy Fraass. She was a lifelong resident of LodgePole, Nebraska.

Shirley was a very independent woman who found success in everything she pursued. Whether it was cooking, dancing, gardening, or working, she excelled in all areas. She had a natural ability to connect with people and was especially caring towards her family, particularly those who were facing health issues.

Shirley received her primary education at LodgePole Grade School and graduated from LodgePole High School as Valedictorian. She went on to have a fulfilling career, working as a bartender at Linger Longer and Elks Lodge, secretary/assistant sales at Ohio National Life Insurance, bookkeeper/sales at both Cabela’s Furniture Store and Dick's Flooring, and she also dedicated 36 years to helping at the family-owned drugstore, Fraass’ Drug Sundries.

Shirley was a member of LodgePole Methodist Church.  In her free time, Shirley enjoyed various hobbies, including gardening, golfing, cooking, dancing, and spending time with her family.

Per her wishes, Shirley requested no funeral service. She has been cremated, and her family will hold a celebration of life at her gravesite at a later date.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her loving family. She is survived by her children, Shebi Methe and her husband Greg Methe, Joshua Bondegard and his partner Dana Saner, and Bart Bondegard.  She is also survived by her sister, Kathy (Kate) Markel and her sons Travis and Kelley Markel and families, her grandsons Blaise Methe and Grady Bondegard, her granddaughter Jagger Methe, RaNae Calder mother of Grady, In-laws: Burt Bondegard, Roxie and Ron Bartling, Pat and Dick Luckey, Richard Misegadis, Jim and Sandy Bondegard, Charles and Cindy Bondegard, Nancy and Preston Richards, as well as her cousins and numerous extended family members.

Shirley's son, Casey Donald Bondegard age 14 months, and her parents, Don and Nicola Fraass, preceded her in death, along with her sisters-in-law, Karen Nicholson, Debbie Misegadis and Darlene Bondegard and brothers-in-law Mike Markel and Doug Nicholson, Father and Mother-in-law Lloyd and Ameila Bondegard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Shirley's memory to the American Cancer Society or The Arc of Buffalo County in Kearney, Nebraska, an organization dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities.  The family would like to acknowledge Karen Miller, Preston and Nancy Richards who were her/our guardian angels when Shirl could no longer go out and about on her own. Also her numerous LodgePole friends and neighbors who watched out for her safety and never hesitated to step up when she reached out.  Along with special thanks to the healthcare she received at North Platte Regional Hospital and the extraordinary care and compassion she received by all staff at Christian Homes in Holdrege, Nebraska in her final days.

Shirley JoAnne Bondegard – our little spitfire -  will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, unwavering dedication to her family, and her many accomplishments. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Homes in Oshkosh and Chappell is serving the Bondegard Family.