Aubrey Anne Bonnichsen, 15, Sturgis, won her 20-month battle with brain cancer on Friday, February 18, 2011, when she flew into the welcoming arms of her Savior while surrounded by her loving family and friends at her home.

Visitation will be noon until 5 p.m. on Monday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Believers Fellowship Church in Sturgis with Pastor John Williamson officiating. Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Friends and family are encouraged to meet at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis prior to leaving for the cemetery.

Aubrey was born December 15, 1995, at Deadwood, SD, to Tim and Brenda (Padalski) Bonnichsen. She attended Believers Fellowship Academy (K-4th grade) and Sturgis Public Schools (5th-9th grade.) Aubrey never did anything average or by the book. She had her own unique and fantastic way. She was a purposeful artist who drew, not for herself, but for those she loved. Often, symbols of her faith could be found in her artwork. Aubrey was a Titanic buff and also an avid reader. She enjoyed reading book series. Among her favorites: Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Percy Jackson, Tales from the Odyssey, Spiderwicke Chronicles, Eragon, Pendragon and Warriors, as well as books on history, Egyptology, paleontology and especially military history. She would be proud to know she will be laid to rest among the heroes of our country.

From a young age, Aubrey preferred to play with stuffed animals as opposed to dolls. Her love of animals carried over into her later years as she aspired to become either a veterinarian or zoologist. This love of animals inspired her extensive collection of Webkins. She knew each one by name.

Aubrey was a member of the Lim Kenpo Ohana of South Dakota (Karate Family). While training with her little sister Chloe, Aubrey achieved a purple belt. She embraced all of the character and honor teachings of her Ohana, which centered on faith in God.

Aubrey's love of learning never stopped. Just a few of the things she enjoyed learning were piano and guitar, along with her most recent conquests of Spanish and cooking.

Part of Aubrey's determination to fight was fueled by the goals she set for herself. The milestones she achieved along the way included performing in the South Dakota Children's Theater, obtaining her learner's permit and learning to drive, attending her freshman year at Sturgis Brown High School, and participating in the Marine Corp JROTC program.

In June of 2009, Aubrey was diagnosed with a Diffuse Pontine Glioma, an inoperable, incurable brain tumor. She was treated at Denver Children's Hospital and came home on August 12, 2010, into hospice care. Through it all, Aubrey didn't quit; she was a fighter until the end. She never complained and was always polite and thankful to everyone who cared for her. Never once in her battle with cancer did she ask "Why me?" or blame God.

Survivors include her parents, Tim and Brenda Bonnichsen, Sturgis; her little sister, Chloe Bonnichsen, Sturgis; grandmother, Betty (Kent) Vance; grandfather, Stan Padalski, all of Colorado Springs, CO; and numerous aunts, uncles, and other cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal great grandmother, Grace Wagner, and her Uncle Edward Padalski both of Colorado Springs, CO; her paternal grandparents Betty and Justen Bonnichsen of Colorado Springs.

A memorial has been established.