Bennett, Bonnie Josephine

Bonnie Josephine Bennett, age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Lilac Springs Assisted Living in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.  Bonnie was born on June 4, 1930, in Arena Wisconsin.  She was the youngest of three children born to Edward and Evalyn (Lampman) Bennett.  As a child in the 1930’s, Bonnie experienced a typical rural upbringing helping on the farm and attending a one-room grade school.  In the late 1940’s Bonnie moved into the village of Arena with her parents.  She graduated from Arena High School in 1948, then continued studying piano at Madison Technical College.  After her mother’s death in 1956, Bonnie became a full-time homemaker for her father.  She was an excellent cook known for her delicious Sunday dinners and was a dedicated letter-writer with extended family members of her generation.  

After Bonnie’s father died in 1976, she lived for a short time in Madison working as an in-home caregiver, then moved to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to be closer to her sister, Phyllis Bradley, and her family.  Throughout her life, Bonnie was sustained by her faith.  While living in Arena, she was a long-time member of the Arena Bible Church (she often played piano for the youth groups there) and, in Fort Atkinson, she attended Hebron United Methodist Church.

Despite various health issues, Bonnie played piano into her 80’s and did word puzzles into her 90’s. Bonnie was a generous and insightful person who liked to keep everyone “on their toes”.  In her later years, family members and caregivers were always delighted when her sometimes acerbic personality gave way to reveal a great sense of humor and sweet smile.

In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen, and his wife, Mary; her sister, Phyllis Bradley, and her husband, Morris; and nephew, Jim Bradley.  She is survived by her niece Sandra Bennett of Madison, and nephews, Glenn Bennett of Madison, Norm (Kay) Bradley of Fort Atkinson, Ed (Maggie) Bradley of Colorado, and Jerry Bradley of Texas, and their families.  

The family wishes to thank Agrace Hospice Care, the staff at Sylvan Crossings while under the administration of Dawn Koch, and for their extraordinary compassion and dedication, the staff at Lilac Springs.  

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Dunlap Memorial Home, 604 S. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.  Bonnie will be laid to rest privately at the Arena Cemetery next to her parents.

Please share your memories of Bonnie by posting on the tribute page of Dunlap Funeral Home.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com