Mankato, Minnesota, October 6, 2025
News Summary
The Tricities area is coming together to mourn the loss of community member Lonnie D. Bristol, who passed away after a battle with cancer. Known for his dedication to service, Lonnie’s contributions to local organizations and his family legacy will be remembered. His funeral is set for October 3, providing a time for friends and family to gather in remembrance and support each other during this difficult time.
Mankato, Minnesota – The Tricities area is mourning the loss of several beloved community members, with obituaries announced for those who passed away recently. Among the prominent figures remembered is Lonnie D. Bristol, age 81, who died at home on September 24, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. His funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato.
Lonnie Bristol, native of Mankato, was born on October 20, 1943, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Donald and Ruth Bristol of Madelia. He spent his childhood on a farm in rural Madelia, where he raised and showed prize-winning Southdown sheep through the 4-H program. Lonnie attended country school until the third grade before graduating from Madelia High School in 1961, where he was active in football and wrestling. After high school, he pursued higher education at Eastern Arizona College for two years before transferring to Mankato State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business.
His career began with State Farm Insurance in November 1966, a journey inspired by the pivotal keynote speaker Don Rood at a State Farm agents convention, who emphasized the importance of serving one’s community. Lonnie embraced this ethos wholeheartedly, stating that he lived by the adage, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Lonnie was not only dedicated to his profession but also actively involved in numerous community and religious organizations. He participated in Bible Study Fellowship, Community Bible Study, The Gideons International, and was a member of Hosanna Lutheran Church. His commitment to service left a lasting impact on those around him.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Catherine Bristol, along with three children: Corey (Kimberly Sue), Stacey (Todd) Fecura, and K. Matthew (Kimberly Ann) Bristol. Additionally, he was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren—Jordan, Haley, Logan, Sommer, Madeline, Abigail, and Lillian— and a great-grandfather to two boys, Lucien and Declan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Jr., sister Barbara and her husband Larry Bowman, sister-in-law Phyllis Bristol, and his father and mother-in-law, Ira and Frances Davis.
The community will gather to pay their respects during the visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Central Time. A time of fellowship is expected to follow the service, allowing friends, family, and community members to remember Lonnie and support each other in their grief. Memorials may be given to Hosanna Lutheran Church, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to his faith and community. The service will also be available via livestream.
In other recent obituaries, the area remembers Gary Arnold Robinette II, 65, of Knoxville, Tennessee, who passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2025, and Samuel K. Jackson, a beloved father and grandfather, who passed peacefully on the same day surrounded by family. Howard Lewis (Butch) Pruitt Jr. of Piney Flats, Tennessee, is remembered for his contributions to the community after his passing on September 19, 2025.
The loss of these individuals touches many lives, and the Tricities area continues to stand united in honoring their memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lonnie D. Bristol’s funeral service?
Lonnie D. Bristol’s funeral service is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato.
What is Lonnie Bristol’s legacy in the community?
Lonnie Bristol is remembered for his deep involvement in community service and religious organizations, including Bible Study Fellowship and The Gideons International.
Who are the survivors of Lonnie D. Bristol?
Lonnie D. Bristol is survived by his wife Catherine, three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
What community events are planned in remembrance?
The visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Central Time on October 3, 2025, followed by a time of fellowship.
Key Features of the Obituaries
| Name | Age | Date of Death | Funeral Service Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lonnie D. Bristol | 81 | September 24, 2025 | October 3, 2025, at Hosanna Lutheran Church |
| Gary Arnold Robinette II | 65 | September 25, 2025 | No further details provided |
| Samuel K. Jackson | Not specified | September 25, 2025 | No further details provided |
| Howard Lewis (Butch) Pruitt Jr. | Not specified | September 19, 2025 | No further details provided |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourning After the Loss of Cherished Residents
University of Tennessee Renames Law School to Honor Frank Winston
Trump’s Executive Order Challenges Smithsonian Narrative
CBS Evening News Introduces New Format and Anchors
Additional Resources
- Obituary: Lonnie Bristol
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Obituary: Thomas Cinotti
- Google Search: Mankato Minnesota
- Obituary: John Lucian Nachilly
- Google Scholar: Community Service in Mankato
- Obituary: Patrick Wagner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Funeral Customs
- Obituary: Elena Ryder
- Google News: Mankato Community Events
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
