Bonita “Bonnie” LaVerne Burggraaf

Bonita “Bonnie” LaVerne Burggraaf

Bonita “Bonnie” LaVerne Burggraaf
August 23, 1918 – December 19, 2015
New Sharon, Iowa | Age 97

Bonnie Burggraaf, 97 of New Sharon passed away peacefully Saturday morning, December 19, 2015 at her home in New Sharon.

Bonita “Bonnie” LaVerne Burggraaf, firstborn of Rev. Ralph E. and Hilda (Sorenson) McCaulley was delivered into this world by Dr. George McCrary August 23, 1918 in Lake City, Calhoun County, Iowa.

Bonnie attended school at Lake City and Perry, Iowa, before moving to New Sharon, Iowa, where her parents assumed the pastorate of the Assembly of God Church. In 1936, she graduated from the New Sharon High School. Upon receiving Normal training she obtained a teaching certificate and taught at country schools in the Union Mills and Lower Grove area.

Bonnie, the pastor’s daughter, met and married Robert Melvin Burggraaf, one of the church deacons son, on February 25, 1940. To this union five children were born: Robert, Rozann, Terrel, Kevin and Bonita.

In the early years of marriage, Bonnie worked for various businesses in the local area: Holobrand’s Drug Store, Sexton’s Grocery Store, McGriff’s Dry Goods, Reeds Greenhouse, plus doing childcare and housekeeping for various families. With the family’s occupation in farming, the Burggraaf’s moved to Cedar, Eddyville, and Fremont before moving back to New Sharon in the early 1950s.

As the children grew, Bonnie’s desire was to better herself in the Academia world. She worked at William Penn University, from 1968 to 1991, which allowed her the opportunity to continue to learn and use her many talents of education, decorating, catering, hosting, cleaning and counseling. Age did not hinder her delight in learning new words, programs, techniques, foods and sharing with those nearby. Together, Bob and Bonnie were a great team helping others through various missions, endeavors and projects in Iowa and throughout the United States.

Bonnie was a lifelong member of the Assembly of God Church, where she served in many capacities and offices.

After a short stay in Pella Hospital, Bonnie returned to her home in New Sharon on Friday, December 18th and was delivered from this world Saturday, December 19, 2015, to her heavenly home. She was surrounded by family.

Left to honor and cherish her life are her children: Bob (& Helen) Burggraaf of Park Hills, Missouri, Rozann Burggraaf of New Sharon, Irma Burggraaf (& husband Terry) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Kevin (& Cynthia) Burggraaf of Johnston, Iowa, and Bonita (& Dennis) Moore of New Sharon; nine grandchildren: Sherry Kernan, Tammy (& Brandon) McDaniel, Darin (& Shonda) Burggraaf, Michael (& Sarah) Burggraaf, Angie (& Kali) Kwashie, Aaron (& Kaci) Moore, Jackie Burggraaf, Katherine (& Sam) Grasso and Kelly Burggraaf; 12 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters: Glennys Baker, Darlene (& Bob) King; a brother, Nolan McCaulley; numerous foster children; many nieces and nephews; and dear neighbors and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Burggraaf; a son, Terrel Burggraaf; a grandson, Lindell Lusk; a brother and his wife, Donald “Bud” & Bonnie McCaulley; and brother in laws, Les Baker.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the New Sharon Assembly of God Church.
Burial will be held in the Union Mills Cemetery at Union Mills.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Monday, December 21, 2015 at the New Sharon Assembly of God Church with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Assembly of God Church or the New Sharon Fire and Rescue.