Bonnie Mae Brecht, 14 May 1947 - 16 Jan 2023

BRECHT, SCHULTE

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 1/26/2023 at 14:16:43

Bonnie Mae Brecht, 75, of Norway, IA passed away Monday, January 16, 2023 at Colonial Manor Care Center, Amana, following a short illness.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Norway with Father Craig Steimel officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Michaels Cemetery, Norway. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Essence of Life Hospice Amana. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.

Bonnie was born May 14, 1947 to Kenneth and Marie (Schulte) Brecht. She lived on the family farm north of Norway until moving to Marengo to start her teaching career. She later moved back to the family farm to help care for her parents when their health failed. After their passing Bonnie moved to Norway with her brother Allen. She cared for him until his passing.

Bonnie graduated from Norway High School with the class of 1965. Following graduation, she attended Mt. Mercy College where she obtained her bachelor degree in teaching. In 1969 she began teaching at Iowa Valley School in Marengo where she taught Business & Music. She also helped with the school musicals and accompanied students on the piano for state competitions and was a score keeper for many years for basketball games. In 1977 she obtained her Master Degree from the University of Iowa. She retired in 2011 but continued teaching the tech program until 2014.

Bonnie was an accomplished pianist and organist. She played the organ for weekly mass at both St. Michaels and St. Patrick Catholic Church along with numerous weddings and funerals. She gave piano lessons to several local students for many years.

When Bonnies health began to fail, she moved to Colonial Manor Nursing Home, Amana. Bonnie continued to play the piano on a regular basis for staff and residents until three weeks before her passing. The staff told family members she was kind and willing to help the other residents.

The family would like to thank the staff at Colonial Manor for the care and compassion they gave Bonnie.

Brosh Funeral Service of Norway is assisting the family in their time of need.

Published in The Gazette on January 23, 2023.