Obituary for Bonita Kaye Geerdes

Bonita Kaye (Cooper) Geerdes of Wellsburg, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024 at home surrounded by her family and close friends. 

Visitation will be held Saturday November 9^th, 2024, from 11-1pm at the First Christian Reformed Church, west of Wellsburg. Funeral will follow at 1pm.

Bonnie was born on October 22,1942 in Kanawha, Iowa to her parents Albert and Margaret (Smith) Cooper. Bonnie was raised and educated in Kanawha. Bonnie graduated from Kanawha High School in 1960 and continued her education at Dordt College where she earned her degree in education. Post college Bonnie taught 3^rd and 4^th grade at Chandler Christian School located in Chandler, Minnesota. During the summers Bonnie attended bible camp where she met the love of her life Jim Geerdes. Jim and Bonnie were wed June 7^th, 1964. The couple was blessed with two children: Mark and Kimberly.

While living in Mason City, Bonnie and her family were members of Rolling Acres Christian Reformed Church. Bonnie was a part of the choir, played the piano and organ, and acted in “A man called Peter” and other dramatics. She was both a girl and boy scout leader, bible school director, part of the Christian Women’s Club and other community activities. 

In Des Moines, Bonnie and her family were members of Des Moines Christian Reformed Church and later at Meredith Drive Reformed church. Bonnie worked at Seiferts Women’s Clothing store and alongside Jim at the family business, Allied Services. Due to symptoms of macular degeneration, Bonnie tried her hand at directing the choir because she was no longer able to see or read the music. For a time, she did not participate in choir or play the piano due to her lack of vision. 

In 1990, Bonnie and Jim moved to Wellsburg, Iowa where she resided until her passing. In this time of her life, she taught herself to learn music by ear and began accompanying and singing in choir at the First Christian Reformed Church where she was a member. In Wellsburg, she was a part of many Bible studies, Queen Ester, Senior Citizens, Women’s Connection and enjoyed swim aerobics and exercise class and most recently Mugs on Main. 

Bonnie was known for her gift of service. She was always prepared with decorations and quick bread for every event. Bonnie was a kind soul that was very much loved by her husband, her family and the community. She is also known for her chocolate chip cookies and brownies. 

Bonnie is survived by her son Mark Geerdes and daughter, Kim (Patrick) Hastings: grandchildren Taylor (Deondre) Butler, Sr., Parris Hastings (Yaira), Timothy Vree and Toni Hastings Gonzalez; great grandchildren: Amarionna Butler, Deondre “DJ” Butler Jr., Ezio Vree, Josiah Butler, Jazel Rodriguez and Jamari Hastings. Sister, Anita Brink, Brother's Larry (Jan) Cooper and Terry (Lynn) Cooper. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Margaret (Smith) Cooper, Husband Jim Geerdes and brother-in-law David Brink.