Bonnie Willkom

VISITATION

10 a.m to 12 noon, Thursday, March 27 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel.

SERVICE

12 noon, Thursday, March 27 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel.

Bonnie Marie (Staves) Willkom, 70, of Chippewa Falls, town of Lafayette, died Saturday, March 22, 2014.

She was born April 29, 1943 in St. Paul, MN to William and Betty (Osborn) Staves. She graduated from Augusta High School in 1961. She received her Bachelor of Artsdegree in Englishfrom UW-Eau Claire in 1965.

Bonnie married Lawrence Jacob Willkom on June 11, 1966 and they moved to Denver, CO where she taught High School English. They returned to Chippewa Falls where she received her Masters in Communication Disorders from UW-Eau Claire. Bonnie continued her career in the Cadott School system, and in 1991 she joined the faculty at UW-Eau Claire teaching courses in language development and disorders, clinical procedures, observation and school methods. Bonnie was also a past president of the UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association. She retired in 2002.

She is survived by her husband, Larry; three daughters; Lori (Doug) Baeckman of Germantown; Julie (David) Crawford of Pewaukee and Shanda Staves at home; grandchildren, Evan and Spencer Baeckman. She is further survived by her siblings, Alan (Sue) Staves of Eau Claire, Robert (Jean) Staves of Falls Creek, Sharon (Dennis) Mahlum of Mesa, Arizona; several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Staves and Betty Polinske; and a brother, William Charles Staves.

Bonnie was an avid reader and gardener. She was involved with the Wissota Raptors 4-H Club and was their drama director for several years. Traveling and cooking for the holidays were two of her favorite past-times. She enjoyed spending time with family (including her dog, Teddy) and friends. She will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Thursday, March 27 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls with Deacon Ned Willkom officiating.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers, Donations should be made in Bonnie Willkom's name to her favorite cause/foundation which is Irvine Park.

Checks should be made out to:

Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation

P.O. Box 49

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

Memo: Bonnie Willkom for Irvine Park

AFTERSERVICE

A funeral service for Bonnie Marie (Staves) Willkom, 70, of Chippewa Falls was held at 12 p.m., Thursday, March 27 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls. Deacon Ned Willkom officiated and music was provided by vocalist Lisa McGowan.