Arthur Robert Bongers
July 24, 2025

Arthur Robert Bongers passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, in Detroit Lakes, MN, surrounded by his family. Art was born Oct. 1, 1947, to Rosie and Bob Bongers, in Faribault, MN, where he grew up and graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1965. He then attended Faribault Vocational College, earning his degree in 1968. Art lived in New Brighton, MN, where he worked for Miratalin in Roseville, MN, before moving to Pelican Rapids, MN, in 1973, where he farmed and worked at the turkey plant until he retired in May of 2019. He also provided tax services for many friends and family over the years. On Nov. 21, 1986, Art married Penny Proell in Pelican Rapids.
Art enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching football. He and Penny loved to spend time with their dog, Ellie, and visiting with friends and family.
Art is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Penny; daughters, Carrie Asher, Cami (Nate) Haberman, Christa (JT) Tayloe, and Cathy (Rob) Coats; brothers, Dick (Darlene) Bongers and Luverne (Lila) Bongers; sister, Donna (Russ) Bauer; sisters-in-law, Kim Bongers, Linda Crowe, Becky (Dennis) Borucki, Lorrie Centers, and Marilyn Proell; brothers-in-law, Lowell (Bev) Dugan and Bob Braaten; and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David Bongers; his mother and father-in-law; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Connie) Proell, James Proell, Michael Centers, and Jim Crowe; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Art) Wait and Mary Braaten.
Memorial Services will be held July 24, 2025, at Larson Funeral Home in Pelican Rapids, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and a service at 11:30 a.m. A lunch at Faith Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids will follow. A Graveside Service will take place on Sept.12, 2025, in Faribault. MN.
Art enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching football. He and Penny loved to spend time with their dog, Ellie, and visiting with friends and family.
Art is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Penny; daughters, Carrie Asher, Cami (Nate) Haberman, Christa (JT) Tayloe, and Cathy (Rob) Coats; brothers, Dick (Darlene) Bongers and Luverne (Lila) Bongers; sister, Donna (Russ) Bauer; sisters-in-law, Kim Bongers, Linda Crowe, Becky (Dennis) Borucki, Lorrie Centers, and Marilyn Proell; brothers-in-law, Lowell (Bev) Dugan and Bob Braaten; and grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David Bongers; his mother and father-in-law; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Connie) Proell, James Proell, Michael Centers, and Jim Crowe; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Art) Wait and Mary Braaten.
Memorial Services will be held July 24, 2025, at Larson Funeral Home in Pelican Rapids, with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and a service at 11:30 a.m. A lunch at Faith Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids will follow. A Graveside Service will take place on Sept.12, 2025, in Faribault. MN.
A healthy Otter Tail County requires great community news.
Please support The Pelican Rapids Press by subscribing today!
Please support The Pelican Rapids Press by subscribing today!
%> "