Bonnie McDonald

Bonnie McDonald

1928-2021

Bonnie Lou McDonald was born on Feb. 25, 1928 in Amarillo, Texas to George Mason and Berniece Goldman McDonald. When Bonnie was six months old she and her parents moved to El Paso. She attended school in El Paso and graduated from El Paso High School in 1946. Bonnie was active in musical groups, studying voice under the direction of Mrs. Tony Lamas and violin with Lester Silverman. She had her own USO show at Fort Bliss where her father worked.

Following graduation Bonnie and her parents moved back to Iowa purchasing the family home in What Cheer. She studied music at William Penn College for one year before changing to the field of education and teaching at  rural school Washington #5 near What Cheer. Her Bachelors’ Degree was awarded from William Penn College in 1967 and she had many hours towards her Masters.

Bonnie taught kindergarten and first grade at Keswick Independent School District for three years.  In 1955 Bonnie began teaching first grade at South Elementary in Sigourney, Iowa. She retired from the Sigourney District in 1992. Following retirement Bonnie then volunteered for nine years. Governor Vilsack awarded Bonnie the Governor’s Volunteer Award for Outstanding Service to the State of Iowa on Oct. 27, 2000.

She was the pianist for the What Cheer Christian Church for many years. Bonnie was active in the Keokuk County Retired Teachers, ISEA and NEA. She served on the What Cheer Library Board and the What Cheer Brick School Museum Board.

Bonnie enjoyed the Red Hat Society and gathering with teacher friends as well as her Goldman - McDonald relatives and her special friend Margie Thomas. She enjoyed family history, Persian cats, Shirley Temple memorabilia and collecting antique dolls.

Funeral Service was held July 29 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holm Funeral Home, burial in Garrett Cemetery near Delta. 

Memorials may be sent to Stephens Memorial Animal Shelter 1716 Pella Ave. Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577

Arrangements  Holm Funeral Home -  Sigourney