Bonita “Bunny” Marie Klingbiel, age 97, of Fond du Lac and formerly of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Woodlands Senior Park in Fond du Lac.
Bonita was born in Two Rivers on February 7, 1927, to the late Henry and Henrietta (Vietz) Koch. She graduated from Washington High School in 1945 and went on to attend Oshkosh State Teachers College. She taught for several years as an Elementary School teacher in Neenah. Bonita married Robert Klingbiel on December 26, 1951 at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Manitowoc. She and Robert were inseparable and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States together. He preceded her in death on February 9, 2005.
Survivors include Bonita’s three daughters: Debra (William) Rusch, Cynthia (Douglas) Smith, Gail (Paul) Stone; five grandsons: Christopher Rusch, Jason Rusch, Jacob Smith, Nicholas Smith, Paul Lucas Stone; granddaughter: Natasha Marie Stone; three great grandchildren: Hailey Rusch, Emily Rusch (Matthew Michalski), and Cloe Rusch. Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends also survive. Bonita is preceded in death by her husband: Robert Klingbiel; parents: Henry and Henrietta Koch; father and mother-in-law: Louis and Florence Pierson; sister: Dorothy Breckenridge; an infant sister; and two brothers-in-law: Robert Breckenridge and George Denk.
Funeral services will be held at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc, on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of services at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Pioneer’s Rest Cemetery in Two Rivers on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials in Bonita’s name.
Bonita’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff of Woodlands Senior Park in Fond du Lac for all of the care and love they provided to their mom.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
