Bonita Louise (Brueggen) Hemmersbach, “Bonnie,” 88, of Cashton, Wis., passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, surrounded by her family, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, Wis.
Born Sept. 30, 1936, Bonnie was the first of five children of Aloysius and Mildred (Kapeller) Brueggen. She grew up on a dairy farm in Cashton, Wis., where she would eventually meet Charles Hemmersbach, the love of her life. Bonnie and Chuck met each other at a roller-skating rink in Ontario, Wis., and the rest, they would say, is history.
In her early years, Bonnie worked in downtown La Crosse for Stollenwerk Studio, making picture frames. Not too long after, the couple purchased a farm in Cashton, Wis., where they raised a family of three boys and one girl and worked side by side for over 50 years! During the same time frame, Bonnie earned her certified nursing assistant license from Western Technical College and worked at Norseland Nursing Home in Westby, Wis. She loved working with the residents, but her journey turned into a different path due to health reasons. Bonnie would finish her working career at Cvikota Company in La Crosse.
Not only did she love being a mother, but a grandmother as well. Bonnie is remembered for her cooking and baking. She was known for her famous crispy yet soft pancakes, blueberry torte, and, of course the loved tradition of making holiday cookies. Many of her hobbies included decorating cakes, crocheting, and puzzles; however, her all-time favorite was playing cards.
Bonnie had a musical side to her as well. She played the accordion and organ and loved singing in the Sacred Heart Church Choir. Her love for the church community was well known. Bonnie was involved in the PCCW, the Altar Society, and even helped with CCD classes. Her faith in God was unwavering and the pillar of her life. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” — John 11:25-26 NIV
Bonita is survived by four children, Robert (Christie), John (Karen), Susan (Robert) Sternberg, and Peter (Connie); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rachel (Greg) Peterson and children, Nadalee and Kendal; Mindy (Jesse) Craig and their children, Jordan (Nick) Horner, Sydney (Tanner) Craig-Boyenovsky, Kinley and Ava Craig; Mariah (Jay) Helmke and children, Joanna and Jase; Mallory (Mike) Myers; Matracia (Braxton) Hemmersbach; Mitchel Hemmersbach; LaDainian and Christian Coleman; Dana (Andrew) Mohn and children, Ashlyn and Kaden; Lee (Trina) Hemmersbach and children, Braylon, Brodie, and Elliana; Jill (John) Grennan and children, Owen and Luke; Matt (Shelby) Hemmersbach and children, Bennett and Adeline; Seth Sternberg; Hope Sternberg; Ally (Casey) Barnes and children, Ryker and Rowan; her siblings, Rita Schroeder, Caroline Schultz, Paul (Sharon) Brueggen and Patricia (Jim) Whitehead; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Mildred; her husband, Chuck, in 2016; a grandson, Ryan Hemmersbach; a great-granddaughter, Hazel Hemmersbach; and two brothers-in-law, Cletus Schroeder and Norman Schultz.
We are but pilgrims passing through on this journey to everlasting life. May God bless you — Bonnie, Mom, Grandma — on your path to eternal life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton, Wis. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Tuesday, Dec. 10. Rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m., and visitation will be from 4–7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Cashton. Visitation also will be held on Wednesday from 9–10 a.m.
Family would like to send a special thank you to the St. Croix Hospice group and Morrow Home staff for taking wonderful care of Bonita.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
