Bonnie Johansen-Werner › Texts

Bonnie Johansen-Werner is a composer, performer, and teacher residing in Joliet, Illinois. She is organist at First United Methodist Church in Lockport, Illinois, on the music faculty at the University of St. Francis teaching music theory and composition, and manages her own private studio in Joliet. She also serves as Diaconal Minister of Music associated with Grace United Methodist Church (Naperville) in the ministry of organ and composition. Her music has been performed in the United States, Canada, Russia, and Europe.

Bonnie’s music combines techniques from ancient sources with contemporary rhythms, shifting tonalities, and vibrant melodies. Mysticism and spirituality play an important role in her music, with a focus on the presence of the holy in all of life. Themes for her music range from hope and expectancy to pointed encounters with death, AIDS, and drought.

Ms. Johansen-Werner holds music degrees from Augustana College and Concordia University with theological study at Garrett Theological Seminary, the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and Methesco. She is the former McCosh Assistant Professor of Music at Upper Iowa University. With her husband, Duane Werner, they have five children and eight grandchildren.

Bonnie Johansen-Werner