Bonnie Sue (Kessler) Apke (78) of Montrose

Bonnie Sue (Kessler) Apke, 78, of Montrose, IL, went to be with the Lord at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2023 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham with her loving husband by her side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in Teutopolis. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Bonnie was born on March 12, 1945, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Oscar and Melva (Moran) Kessler. She married LaVerne Apke on July 25, 1964 in Teutopolis, IL.

Bonnie was a homemaker and later worked for St. Anthony Memorial Hospital as a switchboard operator for many years. She was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and the Ladies Sodality. Bonnie also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed reading and listening to music and enjoyed sewing when she could.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 58 years, LaVerne; children, Michelle (Rick) Mindak of Schiller Park, IL, Wayne (Tina) Apke of Whitewright, TX, Raymond Apke of Teutopolis, Denise (Kevin) Willenborg of Dieterich, and Larry (Pam) Apke of Dieterich; brothers, Keith Kessler of Indiana and Kenneth (Marilyn) Kessler of Stewardson; ten grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Hannah Mindak; Audra and Madison Apke; Danielle (Zac) Linne, Desteny (Drew) Holman, and Kory Willenborg (Alissa); and Lane, Lance and Cecilia Apke; and four great-grandchildren, Stetson Willenborg; Kinsley and Brinley Holman; and Aspen Linne.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Melva; brother, Edwin (Bertha) Kessler; and sisters, Doris Kessler and Betty (Gene) Ohnesorge.