1937
2012
Bonnie Marie Harper, 75, of Rockford, passed away Sunday, September 2, 2012 at Swedish American Hospital, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Keosaqua, Iowa on January 21, 1937, daughter of Mary McDonald. She married John Harper on May 15, 1968 and then moved to Rockford.
She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She put her family first in everything she did throughout her entire life. She was a former manager at Fairview Lanes and most recently at The Cherry Bowl. She was an avid bowler in the Rockford area for many years and was affiliated with the WIBC for 49 years; she was inducted into the the Rockford Area Bowling Hall of Fame in 2003 for Meritorious Service. She volunteered as an instructor, director and assistant with Special Education and Senior Bowling programs. She was involved with high school bowling for 20 years, Rockford Area Junior Leagues for over 33 years and the Special Olympics for 23 years. She was a lifetime member of the Blackhawk Athletic Club and a member of the Eagles Club for 35 years. She will be greatly missed, but forever in our hearts.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, John; son, Shawn (Sarah) Harper of Belvidere; grandchildren, Tina (Mark) Widell, Ryley and Lukas Harper; Great-grandchildren, Cloie and Brianna Widell; and her beloved dog, Molly. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be from 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. on Saturday September 8, 2012 and from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, September 9th 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd Machesney Park, IL 61115. Funeral Services will be held Sunday September 9, 2012 at 3pm also at Sunset Funeral Home. Pastor Allan Buss will be officiating. Private Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 12, 2012
Loving Family Member
October 12, 2012
Loving Family Member
September 28, 2012
Kristina McDonald
Aunt Bonnie,may you rest in peace.
September 28, 2012
Kristina McDonald
My aunt will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Surely GOD took my mom(Ann McDonald) & uncles (Ron McDinald)sister home to be an angel with my grandmother Mary McDonald.May they both rest in peace.
September 10, 2012
Doug & Angel Tucker
Bonnie was a great lady and wonderful and caring boss (from the old Fairview snack bar). Our deepest sympathy to you all...she will be missed.
September 10, 2012
Colleen Dunnett
John and family,
You and Bonnie were always very special people to our family. Having known both of you since the late seventies at Fairview, I have some very fond memories, one of which was the premie outfit you and Bonnie gave Michelle when she was born in 1981. After she was done wearing it, she dressed her doll in it and saved it as one of her treasures. Michelle also has very fond memories of Bonnie and her smiling face behind the counter at Cherry Bowl when she bowled in the state championship in 2000-2001 for Harlem. Bonnie was such a positive influence on the bowling community and will be sorely missed but also forever remembered! The Dunnett family has a very special place in our hearts for Bonnie.
Colleen & Michelle Dunnett
September 9, 2012
Carol Floros
On behalf of the IHSA tournament staff, our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie's family. The girls bowling tournament in Illinois was THE place to be in February of each year in large part of Bonnie. She was everyone's "mom". She wanted everyone to be happy and cared for. Her big heart was always on display. We will miss her so, so much.
September 9, 2012
Jerry Butitta
I have always fondly remembered growing up with Bonnie, John, and the rest of my Fairview Family. From teaching me the game of bowling, the customer care at the front of the house, to machine repair in back, Bonnie,John and the rest of the gang have helped to make me the man I am today and i thank them forever. My prayers are with the family at this sad time.
September 8, 2012
Darrell Snygg
Bonnie was one of those individuals that touch your life and leave a lasting impression. She always had a kind word to share and made everyone feel special. I was blessed to know Bonnie and John while in highschool and as a yound adult and we sure shared many laughs and good times together. John and Shawn are in our thoughts and prayers.
September 8, 2012
We will miss you everytime we walk into the Cherry Bowl . You touched so many young kids lives and help them with bowling to giving them their first job. You were a special person and will be missed .
The Paholski Family
September 8, 2012
Lana Durkee
Our thoughts and prayers our with the Harper Family at this time. I will miss not seeing Bonnie when I visit my sister Lynn in Rockford.
Joe and Lana Durkee
September 8, 2012
Kevin and Deb Ahmer
John and family our prayers are with you. Bonnie will always be in our hearts and smiling.
September 8, 2012
Scott Leber
What a wonderful lady Bonnie was. She always made me feel welcome every time I came to the Cherry Bowl. The place will never feel quite the same without her. My condolences to her family.
September 7, 2012
Carol Buffington
My thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie's family through this very difficult time. She will be missed in so many ways.
September 7, 2012
Jason Williamson
If you look up at the night sky and see a star blink, know that Bonnie is watching over you. From young to old, Bonnie always had a smile and you knew she was a special person. We miss you Bonnie!
September 7, 2012
jerome woodfork
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
September 7, 2012
Dixie Kirk
Bowling lost one of the last icons of the game. Cherry Bowl lost a friend, bowling lost a friend. I lost a true friend. RIP Bonnie, God Bless your family thru these tough times.
September 7, 2012
John & Family. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Bonnie was always a pleasure to work with for many years helping coordinate our Cherry Bowl Wed Night League. All of us will miss her.
May God Bless You
September 6, 2012
CindyPrice
I had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie when I started volunteering at the IHSA girls state bowling tournament several years ago. She was a wonderful lady who always made us feel so welcome at the Cherry Bowl. I loved her sense of humor. Her presence at state bowling will be greatly missed. Condolences to her family and friends at Cherry Bowl.
September 6, 2012
Jan Pratt
Was so sad to hear of Bonnie's passing. I'll always remember she bought me a shot when I had a 300 at cherry bowl. She was a great lady.:(
September 6, 2012
Mary Jensen
May you rest in peace.....Love you always
September 6, 2012
Craig and Tricia Sawyer
Our thoughts and prayers to all of the Harper family.
September 6, 2012
Ericka Berg
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Harper family. Bonnie was an inspiration to everyone in the bowling family. You could walk into the bowling alley whether it was Fairview or Cherry Bowl and you were always greeted with a smile by Bonnie. She absolutely loved people and loved her job. She had a heart of gold when it came to helping young bowlers whether it was league or high school tournaments. You will be deeply missed!!!!
September 6, 2012
Denise & Dave Stone
Bonnie was a once-in-a-lifetime person. She made an impact on so many lives, touched so many people. Bonnie was a shining example of someone who always put others first.
Bonnie always made us smile, and always will.
John, Shawn and family - Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
September 6, 2012
She was an amazing lady to bowl with and to know. She always was an amazing asset when I needed her to assist me when I was Guilford Girls Bowling Coach and ran the Viking Invitational. The Harper family is in my thoughts and prayers -- I will deeply miss her and her strength. Laurice Altenbernd-Montgomery, Plainfield, IL
September 6, 2012
Greg Troyer
On behalf of all of the high school bowling coaches in IL, our collective thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie's family and friends. High school bowling has lost a close member of our family. Bonnie was a fixture at the IHSA state girl's finals for the past 2 decades, and hearing her warm greeting upon arrival was always a pleasure. Condolences to The Cherry Bowl for losing such a vital member of your family.
September 6, 2012
Greg Troyer
On behalf of all of the high school bowling coaches in IL, our collective thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie's family and friends. High school bowling has lost a close member of our family. Bonnie was a fixture at the IHSA state girl's finals for the past 2 decades, and hearing her warm greeting upon arrival was always a pleasure. Condolences to The Cherry Bowl for losing such a vital member of your family.
September 6, 2012
Ron and Tery McDonald
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.Bonnie will be missed greatly by us.She was a strong and loving person and I'm so glad I got to know her these last years,she was there for me during her brothers illness, and I drew strength from her many times.She was greatly loved by her brother and I.She will be forever in our hearts.We will miss you. Love Ron and Tery McDonald (Brother and Sister-in-law)
September 6, 2012
Bekki (Booth) Neal
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Harper family. Bonnie was a big part of our lives for many years at Cherrybowl. She was kindhearted and caring and will be missed. With deepest sympathies, Bekki and Austin
September 6, 2012
ron mcdonald
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. to sis
September 4, 2012
Laura Heller, RWBA Pres.
The Rockford WBA board and membership mourns the loss of such a special lady. Bonnie will be missed by many, especially those in the bowling community. She was a friend to all. Our thoughts and prayers for her and her family. With love,
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