BONNER, Nora M.

BONNER, BURNHAM, DONNER, SUNTKEN, FRENZ, ISAACSON

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 6/6/2013 at 10:53:29

Nora M. Bonner, 91, of Swaledale, Iowa, died Monday, Feb. 2, 2004 at the
Rockwell Community Nursing Home where she had been residing for approximately
two years.Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 6, at the United Methodist
Church in Swaledale with the Rev. Bruce Wittern officiating. Interment was in
Mt. Vernon Cemetery, rural Swaledale.Those wishing to extend memorials may
direct them to her church or the American Diabetes Association.

Nora Margaret Bonner was born Nov. 7, 1912 in Dayton, Wis. to Henry A. and
Carrie B. (Burnham) Donner. She was the youngest child of five children born to
her parents. Nora was baptized in Dayton on Jan. 2, 1913. At the age of five,
Nora and her family moved to Cerro Gordo County, where she has since resided.
Upon graduation from Swaledale High School in 1930, Nora furthered her education
at the Iowa State Teacher's College for one year.

On February 27, 1931, Nora was united in marriage to Lester John Bonner in
Bethany, Mo. They enjoyed traveling together to various vacation spots across
the United States. Lester and Nora became the proud parents of six children.
Nora was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Swaledale where she
was confirmed, active in teaching Sunday school and had a cookbook dedicated in
her honor in 1979. Most notably, Nora began playing the piano for services at
the United Methodist Church while in her teen years and continued playing both
the piano and organ for the next 70 years. Many will remember her as the
musician for numerous weddings and funerals. She was a member of the United
Methodist Women and the Sarah Circle.

Nora was a devoted wife and nurturing mother. She was very encouraging and
active in attending and supporting the events her children were involved with.
Her family states that Nora had a passion for baking and cooking, especially
recalling their mother's chocolate cake with caramel frosting, chocolate chip
cookies and special baked beans. She was a very caring, positive and loving
woman who found great joy in attending parades, especially on the 4th of July.
Nora participated in many community and civic activities throughout the years
including the Swaledale Garden Club, Swaledale Area Ladies Club, the Library
Board and the Pleasant Valley Apartment Board. In her leisure time, Nora created
latch hook rugs for her grandchildren and began playing golf in her late 70's.
Most of the grandchildren had the opportunity to accompany their grandmother to
Colorado, where they rode the cograil to the top of Pike's Peak. Nora will be
missed dearly by all who have shared in her life.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Jim Bonner (Luella) of Clear Lake,
John Bonner (Leona) of Swaledale, Janet Suntken (Larry) of Colorado Springs,
Colo, Karrie Frenz (David) of Mason City and Edna Isaacson (Jim) of Woodridge,
Ill. She will also be sadly missed by her daughter-in-law, Joan Bonner, of
Swaledale; 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives
and friends.
Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, in July of 1985; her son,
Tom Bonner, in 1987; her parents, Henry and Carrie Donner; her daughter-in-law,
Beverly Bonner, in 1987; one brother, Arvin Donner; three sisters, Edna Richards
and two infant sisters and two great-granddaughters, Lindsay Behr and Hope
Winkowitsch.