Mankato, Minnesota, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Lonnie D. Bristol, an 81-year-old lifelong resident of Mankato, Minnesota, passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Known for his dedication to family, agriculture, and community service, he made significant contributions through various organizations and his career in insurance. A funeral service is planned to honor his legacy.
Mankato, Minnesota – Lonnie D. Bristol, aged 81, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at his home after a short battle with cancer. His death marks the end of a life dedicated to service, family, and community.
Born in Mankato, Minnesota, on October 20, 1943, to Donald and Ruth Bristol, Lonnie grew up on a farm in rural Madelia. There, he cultivated his love for agriculture by raising and showing prize-winning Southdown sheep through the 4-H program. He attended country school until the third grade, before graduating from Madelia High School in 1961, where he excelled in football and wrestling.
Lonnie pursued higher education at Eastern Arizona College for two years before transferring to Mankato State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business. In November 1966, he began his career with State Farm Insurance, where he worked for several decades. Motivated by a keynote speaker at a State Farm national convention, Lonnie embraced a philosophy of service and love towards his neighbors, echoing his belief that “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Throughout his life, he was an active member of the spiritual community, participating in Bible Study Fellowship, Community Bible Study, and was a member of The Gideons International and Hosanna Lutheran Church.
Lonnie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Catherine, along with three children: Corey (Kimberly Sue), Stacey (Todd) Fecura, and K. Matthew (Kimberly Ann) Bristol. He had a close bond with his nine grandchildren: Jordan, Haley, Logan, Sommer (Noah) Gomez, Madeline (Lucien) Schallehn, Abigail, Lillian, Jacob (Madysen), Joanna, and Julia Bristol. In addition, he is survived by two great-grandsons, Lucien and Declan, as well as his brother, Gerald, three nephews, and sister-in-law, Carol Severson. Lonnie 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.
A funeral service for Lonnie D. Bristol is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato. The visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the service starting at 1:00 p.m. (Central time). Following the service, a time of fellowship will be held for attendees. For those who wish to contribute in his memory, donations may be made to Hosanna Lutheran Church. The service will be accessible online via a provided livestream link for those unable to attend in person.
FAQ
Who was Lonnie D. Bristol?
Lonnie D. Bristol was an 81-year-old resident of Mankato, Minnesota, who passed away on September 24, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.
When and where will the funeral service be held?
The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. (Central time).
What is Lonnie D. Bristol’s educational background?
Lonnie attended Eastern Arizona College for two years and then transferred to Mankato State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.
What community activities was Lonnie D. Bristol involved in?
Lonnie participated in Bible Study Fellowship, Community Bible Study, and was a member of The Gideons International and Hosanna Lutheran Church.
What is Lonnie D. Bristol’s family background?
Lonnie is survived by his wife Catherine, three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. He was also survived by his brother Gerald and three nephews.
Key Features of Lonnie D. Bristol’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | October 20, 1943 |
| Death Date | September 24, 2025 |
| Funeral Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Career | State Farm Insurance since 1966 |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Mankato State University |
| Children | Corey, Stacey, K. Matthew |
| Grandchildren | 9 grandchildren |
| Great-Grandsons | 2 great-grandsons |
| Community Involvement | Member of Hosanna Lutheran Church, The Gideons International, Bible Study Fellowship |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Mankato Mortuary: Lonnie Bristol Obituary
- Wikipedia: Mankato, Minnesota
- Gunderson Funeral Home: Vivian Therese Bristol Obituary
- Google Search: Mankato State University
- Legacy.com: Joseph Lanosa Obituary
- Google Scholar: Southdown sheep
- Legacy.com: Ellen Carrier Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lonnie D. Bristol
- Legacy.com: David Gorneault Obituary
- Google News: State Farm Insurance
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.
