History

Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services began in 1922 when Jens and Alma Bonnerup opened a funeral home in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Jens was an immigrant from Denmark who married an Albert Lea area native, Alma. The couple worked out of several locations until they settled in their Clark Street location in Albert Lea in the 1940's.The family business expanded in 1945 to include their son and daughter-in-law, Robert and LaVonne Bonnerup. Working together, they continued the commitment of superior service to area families.

In 1963, the Bonnerup's added a chapel in Ellendale, allowing them to provide quality, caring funeral service to the many families in the Ellendale area. A local residence was remodeled to serve as a visitation chapel, while administration remained in Albert Lea. In 2007, a new facility was constructed to better serve the needs of the community.

Jens Bonnerup, founding father, died in 1969, having retired several years earlier due to ill health. The Bonnerup tradition continued with the addition of Jens' grandson, David, who joined Bonnerup Funeral Service in 1977. In 1986, to further expand their service area, Friedrich's Funeral Home in New Richland was purchased from Howard and Marie Friedrich.

In October of 2001, Tom Vertin, a third generation Minnesota funeral director, and the Bonnerup staff of licensed funeral directors purchased Bonnerup Funeral Service and its three locations. While appreciative of the rich history of the Clark Street location, the decision was made to begin planning for a one-level building in a new location. 

On May 31, 2009, the Grand Opening Celebration was held to celebrate the new state-of-the-art facility, which is located at 2210 East Main Street in Albert Lea.  Discover more about our new facility by clicking on Facilities under about us.