Bonnie Ficken age 66 of Grand Marais, MN



In June, while undergoing treatment for kidney stones, Bonnie was diagnosed with Pancreatic and Liver Cancer.  Since June, Bonnie and her husband of 43 years, Mike Ficken Sr, have been making the 5 hour one way drive to the University of Minnesota Cancer Center in Minneapolis, MN once a week for chemotherapy.  Bonnie has been strong willed and her spirit has never faltered.  Due to her chemotherapy, her kidney stone treatments have had to be delayed, and on September 14th her kidney stones had become so infected that she had to be placed on IV antibiotics, and was confined to the hospital.  With surgery being the only option at this point, on September 23rd Bonnie underwent a risky procedure in order to remove the kidney stone.  The urologist was able to perform the surgery successfully and Bonnie was again in high spirits ready to continue chemotherapy and WIN her battle with cancer.  Unfortunately Bonnie continued to have severe pain.  Bonnie was placed on a nerve block of her liver in order to relieve her pain, while the doctors prepped for chemotherapy and ran more tests.  The results were not in Bonnie’s favor.  The results indicated that the cancer had spread significantly throughout her liver and was now beginning to affect her entire body.  Within a day of the nerve block, Bonnie’s condition deteriorated so much, leaving the family with no choice but to begin comfort care and move Bonnie into Hospice. 

Mike is a Veteran of the United States Navy, having fought in the Vietnam War, and is a recipient of a Purple Heart.  Bonnie and Mike raised their two children, Mike Ficken Jr and Kim Manley, in Blue Earth, MN.  Bonnie and Mike retired and moved to Grand Marais, MN 10 years ago where they fell in love with the community and believe there is no better place on earth!!!  Both are avid outdoorsmen and love to hunt and fish.  



Both Bonnie and Mike continue to give back to the community, as Mike is a bus driver for the local senior center and Bonnie works at the local Beth’s Fudge and Gifts.  Since Bonnie began her treatment in June, both have had to take leave from work, causing their finances to be limited. 

Mike Sr, Mike Jr, and Kim have been by Bonnie’s side throughout it all.  Throughout her battle, Bonnie has had 2 goals:

1.     FIGHT and WIN her battle with cancer

2.     Return to Grand Marais

Because of Bonnie’s deteriorating condition, the family is doing all they can to fulfill her goal and transfer her to hospice care in Grand Marais before she passes.  The family has learned that the transfer to Grand Marais, her daily hospice fees, and some of the necessary medical work will not be covered by insurance.  The family has also learned that Bonnie does not have a funeral policy or life insurance to help alleviate some of the costs. 

This is a very difficult time for the Ficken family.  Bonnie’s time is limited and the family is doing all they can to help fulfill at least one of Bonnie’s goals and return her to Grand Marais. 

All donations will go directly to medical and funeral expenses. 

All of this has happened so fast.  Please help in alleviating their financial burden and allow this humble family to grieve and return their mother to the place she loves!!!





Thank you in advance for all of your support.