"Bonnie was our back yard neighbor. During the summer months, while she walked Lemme, she would stop, and we would visit. We talked about everything from the Packers to her grandchildren, to the weather, to politics. Bonnie was one of the nicest women we have ever met and she will be missed very much. Everyone in the neighborhood loved her. Rest in peace beautiful lady. Byrd and Sandy Vogel"
In loving memory of
BONITA J. "BONNIE" THILL
June 18, 1946 - January 17, 2022
Bonita J. "Bonnie" Thill, 75, a longtime resident of Marquette, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, January 17, 2022 after a sudden and short battle with Leukemia. She was surrounded by her loving family in her home under the care of U.P. Health and Hospice.
Bonnie was born on June 18, 1946 in Munising, MI to the late Edward J. and Lillian M. (Vinskoski) Murk. She was a graduate of William G. Mather High School.
Bonnie raised four children and then started her second career as a customer service representative at Gold Eagle Supply/Dalco Enterprises where she worked for over twenty years. Bonnie loved going to work every day and recently retired in February 2021. She was beloved by her co-workers and customers for her outgoing personality and sense of humor.
Bonnie was a woman of grace who devoted herself to her family and her friends. True to her Polish heritage, she had a love of everyone and a heart of gold. Her huge heart led her to open her home to many foster children, her son's friend, and to many others who needed a place to stay for the night. She was always quick to listen, and quick to forgive and forget!
Bonnie enjoyed her Wednesday coffee clatch outings which included a different restaurant every week and many laughs and discussions that ranged from A to Z. These outings often ended with a ride around Presque Isle and a stop for ice cream during the summer months.
Bonnie was devoted to her faith. At the end of her short illness, she told her family members she looked forward to going home to Jesus the King. Bonnie was also devoted to her family and most loved spending time with her grandchildren who called her "Nana".
Bonnie was an active member of St. Christopher's Church and then St. Michael's Church. While at St. Christopher's, she was a member of the school board, Coordinator and teacher of C.C.D. (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), and member and teacher of R.C.I.A. She was active as a parent teacher volunteer helping with school lunches, Bingo and New Year's Eve Dances.
Bonnie is survived by her children, Julie (Mike) Manning, Kevin (Rhonda) Thill, Ryan Thill and Shawn (Carrie) Thill; grandchildren, John and Kate Manning, Kortni Szukalowski and Alayna Thill; siblings, Linda Carlson, Greg Murk, John (Carole) Murk, Kathy (Nate) Brockman and Lisa (Kevin) Way; nieces and nephews; her close friend and neighbor, Iris Skoien, and her furry companion, Lemi. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at St. Michael Catholic Church at 12 noon with Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass. A luncheon will immediately follow the mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bonnie's name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org)
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Bonnie's family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Our Prayers and Condolences to Bonnie?s family and friends for their loss. Bonnie was a really great lady and it was always great talking to her and Sandie enjoyed working with her and taking a trip to California. Never knew what Sandie and her would do next. Sandie worked with Bonnie at St Christopher?s Church in Marquette and Bonnie went to work at Golden Eagle Supply. Bonnie will be truly missed by all those who knew her. "
"You my dear sweet Auntie Bonnie, were one of a kind lady that will be greatly missed!! You were one of the most open, loving, attentive, no judgemental people I've ever met and the world is a little bit more darker and colder without you in it anymore. Always carried yourself amazingly even when facing adversity and you were always spreading your kindness and love around. I'll miss your great big hugs most of all!! I know you are in great hands as you've gone home with God and one day I'll get one of those amazingly warm and loving hugs again! In the meantime please give my love to my Mom and Dad and of course Grandma and Grandpa and everyone else! I'm so happy we got to see each other over the last two years, having a short chat at the road when you walked your dog around the neighborhood on Summer nights. You were simply and truly an INSPIRATION for me, and others I'm sure, to look up to and follow. Thank you for everything and the memories and never judging me or treating me differently like so many others did! Just another reason/example of what made you a truly unique and amazing woman! Love you always Auntie Bonnie, I'll see you again when my children are older and I'm done here so God takes me home also... but not for awhile! I'm going to end this with the Irish Prayer in honor of my late Mother, Kathleen Musolf/Thill: ~IRISH BLESSING~ May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His Hands. "
"I miss you so much Bon! I keep thinking it is not fair. I know you would say God has a plan! You were the most positive and loving person! You inspired me and I will continue to make you proud. You are at peace and God now has you up there looking down on all of us. "