Bonnie Lou VanEtten Duerr

Bonnie Lou Van Etten Duerr, 80, of Springfield, formerly of Havana, passed away at St. Joseph’s Home in Springfield at 4:29 a.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2014. She was born July 24, 1934 in Easton, IL to John and Bernice (Hall) Stone and grew up on the family farm with her three brothers. She married her high school sweetheart, William David (Dave) Van Etten, on February 28, 1954. Bonnie and Dave had three children together and raised their family in Havana. Dave preceded her in death in 1975. She married Ken Duerr on February 15, 1983 and he survives. Bonnie was always a working girl with a strong work ethic, spending most of her career with the US Department of Agriculture in the ASC Office in Havana and Springfield, retiring in 1994. She found joy and refuge in nature and animals. Growing things was a life long passion of hers. She devoted much of her retirement to creating a beautiful home garden that was a playground for birds, butterflies, squirrels, deer and other wildlife. She spent many hours tending her flowers and enjoying the antics of all the wildlife that frequented her yard. And, of course, always trying to outsmart the wildlife that menaced her beloved flowers and tried to steal the food meant for the birds. Bonnie was a strong, beautiful, smart, funny, kind-hearted, generous, hard-working, independent woman. Soft spoken and reserved, she was known for her wry sense of humor. Even though she was unable to speak after her debilitating stroke in July 2013, she still managed to charm those around her with her sweet smile and great sense of humor. It was a joy to see her laugh. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Ken, of Springfield, two daughters, Susan (Dan Pedersen) Van Etten of Langley, WA, Cindy (Terry) VanEtten-Asbridge, of Springfield, one son, David Brent (Laura) Van Etten of West Lake Village, CA, four step-children, Karen (Kurt) Rust, Thomas (Tina) Duerr, Joy Duerr and David Duerr, sixteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Lee (Jane) Stone of Las Vegas, NV and Clyde (Geri) Stone of Havana. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave, brother, Delbert (Rocky) Stone and two step-daughters, Susan Sefried and Krissy Andrea. The family thanks the staff, nuns and volunteers at St. Joseph's Home of Springfield for the kindness and loving care they gave her. They also extend heartfelt thanks to all who visited and sent cards and flowers to brighten her final months. It meant a lot to her and to her family. A celebration of life will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014 with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Easton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home of Springfield, 3306 S. Sixth St. Rd., Springfield, IL 62703. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Lou VanEtten Duerr

July 24, 1934 - September 21, 2014

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