Bonnie Bitterman Willemsen

Bonnie Bitterman Willemsen, 89, of Mason City, died Sunday, April 3, 2016 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 329 East State Street with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Private family inurnment will take place in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs. Bonnie has invited anyone attending her service to wear her favorite color red, in celebration of her life.

Bonnie was born November 5, 1926 in Mason City the daughter of Willis and Elsa (Neubauer) Rowcliffe. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City. She attended Mason City schools. Bonnie married Roy G. Bitterman December 27, 1944 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church parsonage in Mason City. The couple served at several Air Force bases during Roy’s military years and eventually made their home west of Nora Springs on the Bitterman century farm. There they farmed together and had two children, Linda and Rick. They also parented several foster children during those years. Roy died April 3, 1966. On June 20, 1969, Bonnie married Marvin G. Willemsen and became mother to Susan, Judy, Bob and Jennifer. During their 33 year marriage, they lived in Mason City and enjoyed their combined and growing family including grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marv died April 15, 2002. Bonnie had an infectious zest for life and a vibrant personality. She enjoyed oil painting, sewing, golf, bowling, world travel, card games and reading. She loved fast red cars! Through the years, she had been a Sunday school teacher, Cub and Brownie Scout Leader and a hospital volunteer. She belonged to bridge clubs as well as study club. She loved being a mother and felt it was her purpose. She was very proud of her family. Bonnie blessed others often by her generous nature.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Linda and Ron Peterson of Mason City, Rick and Barb Bitterman of Algona, Susan and Tom Knapp of Fort Dodge, Judy Willemsen of Ames, Bob and Cindy Willemsen of Mason City and Jennifer and Chris Benda of Gilbert; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Lola Duff; sisters-in-law, Eythel Rowcliffe, Phyllis Auld and Janice Snook; many nieces, nephews, cousins and companion, Nolan Morphew.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, 2 husbands, brother, Walter (Bud) Rowcliffe, 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Harriet and Earl Ostermeier Jr. and Ruthie and Melvin Cannon; 3 brothers-in-law, Roy Duff, Dave Snook and Don Auld; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ila Willemsen; 2 nephews and an infant niece.

Memorials may be directed to the Bonnie Willemsen Memorial Fund.