Bonnie Clare Klasell

Bonnie C. Klasell. September 16, 1932 – January 24, 2024. Wife, mother, aunt, sister, friend. Bonnie was born in Seattle to Bonnie R. (Gilman) and Wilbert M. Gainer. When she was five the family, including her brother Charles W. Gainer, moved to Mats Mats Bay – Port Ludlow. The family built a 3 room house on their property which included 1500 acres of timberland/shoreline, and created a small dairy farm. Bonnie and Charles (Chuck) attended school at the one-room Port Ludlow School, and later at Chimacum School. Bonnie graduated high school as a boarder at the Helen Bush School in Seattle. She went on to attend the University of Washington as an English Literature Major. At the U. of W. she pledged Phi Mu Sorority (Eta Beta Chapter). Her mother, was a founding member of this chapter. In her sophomore year she met John A. Klasell. They dated, and eventually married on May 15th 1954. A few weeks after getting married they moved to Massachusetts where John was stationed at Fort Devens during the Korean Conflict. Their eldest son, John Charles Klasell, was born on the base at Fort Devens.

When their time was completed in the Army, they moved back to Seattle, where John went to work for WA State Dept. of Highways and continued to earn his degree from U. of W. They expanded their family by two more children; Shannon C. Klasell and Peter F. Klasell. Eventually they bought a house in the Freemont/Ballard area. Bonnie dedicated her time to raising the children and was involved in their schooling as well as Church. The family became members of St. Paul Lutheran church, now known as Saint John United Lutheran. Bonnie always made things fun for all of the neighborhood kids. Anyone was welcome at her house, she was known to be a “wicked” opponent in water-balloon fights. She loved poetry (which she wrote), music, and the theater. The family spent leisure time on the Olympic Peninsula with family, and later on sailing trips in the San Juan Islands and further north in the interior coast of British Columbia on the sailboat John had built.

Bonnie is survived by her children, John C. Klasell (Bonnie J.), Shannon C. Klasell, Peter F. Klasell (Ruby); grandchildren Marie Abbot, Donna Klasell Paitson (Zach), Elizabeth Klasell Huerta (Jorge) and Eileen Klasell; Sisters-in-Law Joanne Silvernale and Eleanor Morris Gainer as well as 4 nieces Anne Silvernale Stein (Howard), Marya Silvernale Briggs (Preston), Lisa Silvernale, and Meighan Silvernale Folger (Jim), 4 nephews: Ken, Rick, Stuart, and David Gainer; 3 great-grandchildren Ciara & Colby Abbot and Locke Paitson, and 1 great-great-granddaughter Everliegh Rose (daughter of Ciara Abbot).

A memorial service is being held on Saturday, February 17th at 1:00pm at Saint John United Lutheran Church located at 5515 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle WA. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food bank or program that supports people in need of food, shelter, clothing and other essential services in Bonnie’s honor.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the family.