Bonnie Hirschy

Bonnie Hirschy, 82, of Wayland, IA, died Monday, September 30, 2013, at the Parkview Home in Wayland. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel where the family will receive friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7th, at the Wayland Mennonite Church with Pastor Kelly Slagel and Pastor Loren Hirschy officiating. A private family interment will be held at the North Hill Cemetery. Memorials have been established to Parkview Home and Wayland Mennonite Church. Bonnie Elaine Elder Hirschy was born June 14, 1931 in Wayland, IA, the daughter of Samuel and Myrtle Zehr Elder. Bonnie grew up in Wayland, IA. She received Jesus as her Savior at the age of 10, was baptized and became a member of the Wayland Mennonite Church at age 12. In 1949 she graduated as Salutatorian of her Wayland High School class. On March 19, 1950 at the Wayland Mennonite Church, Bonnie married the late J. Duwaine Hirschy of rural Trenton, son of Joseph and Lydia Wagler Hirschy. Duwaine and Bonnie first lived in Wayland and then in rural Trenton before moving to Wayland again in 1965. Bonnie's occupations included working at Hileman's Bakery and Dutch Wenger's grocery store in Wayland, baking pies and biscuits at the Iris Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant, Nurse's Aide at Parkview Home and Rosses Electronic in Washington. In 1973 Bonnie graduated from Southeastern Community College with a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing. She worked as an LPN Charge Nurse for the Pleasant Manor Care Center in Mt. Pleasant, the Washington Hospital Long Term Care Unit, and the Long Term Care Unit at the Mt. Pleasant Henry County Health Center. Bonnie's creative idea of Park Place was chosen as the winning name for the new facility where she worked until she retired. Bonnie served as a nurse for 23 years from 1973-1996, being highly respected for her caring, compassionate ways. In addition to her other occupations, Bonnie cared continuously for her family and was very active in her church family. Bonnie served at Wayland Mennonite Church as Junior Choir Director, was a member of the Friendly Helpers Sunday School Class, and Bible School Teacher. Bonnie also attended Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mt. Pleasant. She served on the Prayer Team Ministry, the Praise and Worship Team, taught Vacation Bible School, and in the Nursing Home and Prison Ministries. Bonnie enjoyed a lot of hobbies. Bonnie loved flower gardening, and often was told she had a green thumb. She was an avid reader. She also was an expert cook and baker and enjoyed cooking for her family. The delight of her days was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bonnie's faith was the strength of her life. Bonnie loved reading the Bible, listening to music, and singing praises to God. Being "in tune" with what the Holy Spirit inspired, she wrote numerous songs and poems which will be published. She spent countless hours in prayer for her family and others. Most of all she loved Jesus as her Savior and sharing her joy with others. In June, 2012, Bonnie became a member of the Parkview Home Community where she made many dear friends. Bonnie was a sensitive and kind woman with a loving gentle spirit. She is survived and will be deeply missed by her family of four children including: her son, Dr. Larry (Connie) Hirschy of Chariton, IA, daughter, Faye (Darrell) Schultz of Mt. Pleasant, IA, daughter, Kaye (Dwayne) Johnson of Wayland, IA, and son, Pastor Loren (Joy) Hirschy of Dubuque, IA. Bonnie has 10 beloved grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren: Luke (Jenny) Hirschy, Jonah and Oliver of Madison, WI; Isaac (Christy) Hirschy and Eve of Chariton, IA; Hannah (Chris) Querrey and Cahde, Callahn, Cahble, and Cohler of Chariton, IA; Tony (Tiffany) Johnson, Bradyn and Adrial of North Liberty, IA and Owen Johnson of Hannibal, MO; Jessica (Jesse) Harris and Olivia Rose of Waukee, IA; Heidi (Jordan) Oschwald and Jonas of Wilsonville, OR; Leah (fianc, Devin Keenan) Schultz of Iowa City, IA; Sean (Kirsten) Hirschy and Gabrielle, Smith, and Marissa of Engelsberg, Germany; Abbi (Travis) Clark, Lola and Colton of Greenville SC; Adam (Heidi) Hirschy and Taya, Eden, Nia, Judah and Israel of Dubuque, IA. She is survived by one sister-in-law, Joyce (Edwin) Conrad, three nieces, Erika Fish of Waukon, IA, Kristen Freier of LaCrosse, WI and Sarah Olson of Decorah, IA; and two nephews, Phil Elder of Sergeant Bluff, IA and Chip Elder of Mesa, AZ. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, J. Duwaine Hirschy; her grandmother, Fannie Wittrig Zehr; her parents, Samuel J. and Myrtle Pearl Elder; her brother, James Elder; her dear sister, Nancy Olson; aunts; uncles; and one nephew, Kevin Elder.