Bonnie Holmquist was nominated for this special recognition by the GFWC Women's Club. In her nomination form, it stated, "Crookston is a better city because of Bonnie's loyalty to its businesses, schools and activities; there is hardly a facet of Crookston in which Bonnie has not been involved."

Sadly, since the award was announced, Bonnie Holmquist succumbed to cancer. While she was under the care of Hospice, the Women's Fund was able to arrange a short gathering in Holmquist's home. Gloria Kaste and Jeannine Windels, who are friends of Holmquist and members of the Women's Fund Advisory Committee, along with Joy Johnson, former chairperson of the Women's Fund, presented her with a vase of fresh cut flowers and an original engraved pendant as tokens of appreciation for her contributions to the Crookston community. They were accompanied by nominator and friends Merle Miller, Marietjie Robberts, Jenny Amon and Robynn Coauette.

Prior to her passing, a special announcement about Holmquist's recognition was created and mailed to friends and family, along with other women acquainted with her and the Women's Fund.

Holmquist was born in Winger where she grew up on a dairy and grain farm, and remained in northwest Minnesota to marry and raise a family. She is a graduate of the Northwest School of Agriculture. She began her career as a medical records technician at the Bethesda Hospital in Crookston while her husband served in the military overseas. In 1966, she became manager of the Medical Records Department at RiverView Health until her retirement in 2000. There is hardly a facet of Crookston in which Holmquist has not been involved.

Because of her efficiency and drive for accomplishment, she was able to get many things done. Her involvement helped bring the recent hospital fund raising campaign to a successful end. She has been recognized numerous times for her volunteer activity with United Way, the Crookston Civic Music League and the community Christmas Food Basket project, among many others.