Giving from the Heart

South Dakota Community Foundation has recognized Bonnie and the late Tim Bjork as Hometown Heroes for their significant charitable contributions to South Dakota communities.

The couple's philanthropic journey grew out of a deeply personal experience. After serving two tours in Vietnam and returning home to South Dakota, Tim dedicated his career to environmental work, eventually leading the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation. It was in Pierre that he met and married Bonnie Untereiner in 1996. Bonnie was serving as commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development at the time.

After decades of heart trouble, Tim received a heart transplant in 2006, giving him more than 18 additional years to live fully alongside Bonnie. That experience had a significant impact on the couple, reinforcing their commitment to live life to its fullest.

Grateful for the gift of life, the Bjorks made a plan to support others facing life's challenges, as well as those working to do good in the world. Over the years, they have supported causes such as the Gift of Life Fund, which supports organ donation; Feeding South Dakota; Black Hills Fly Fishers; and many others.

Today, Bonnie continues to honor Tim and the couple's shared vision of uplifting others by supporting causes they both cared about. She has also found fulfillment in her role as a "Fairy Godmother" for SDCF's Fairy Godmother Fund.