Bonnie G. Heizler

Bonnie Gaye Heizler, formerly Purdum, peacefully passed away at the age of 85 in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Celebrated at St. John Lutheran in Phillips, the marriage of Bonnie, the cherished wife of Richard Robert Heizler for 67 years, created a lifetime of love and shared memories.

Bonnie was a beacon of love and strength for her family, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and mentor. Her wisdom was a quiet force that touched the lives of everyone around her, instilling trust and confidence in those fortunate enough to know her. With a heart full of patience, she faced life's challenges with grace, finding joy in the simple blessings it bestowed upon her.

A longtime resident of northern Wisconsin, Bonnie enjoyed the beauty of a rural life alongside her husband, affectionately known as Dick. Together, they raised a family that brought them immeasurable joy. Her children, Pamela, Frederick, Teresa and Roxanne, were not only recipients of her boundless love but also witnesses to the warmth and kindness she extended to all.

Bonnie's generosity and hospitality were well known, creating a welcoming haven for friends and family alike. Her cooking and baking skills were renowned, and her home was a gathering place for celebrations and heartwarming moments. One remarkable testament to her selflessness was the annual sacrifice of her birthday, November 19^th when she opened her home to happily host deer hunters converging on the lake house by the Wilson Flowage. Bonnie and Dick often drove to Canada to fish and invited as many family members and friends as were willing to come and share the great outdoors with them. Our family learned the meaning of love and kinship through the many trips to Michigan to stay and rejoice with all our cousins from the Purdum side of the family.

Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her, and her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire generations to come.

Born in Kennan Wisconsin on November 19th, 1937. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Wilbur and Beryl Purdum, brothers Harvey, Fred, Charles, Sam, Martlett (Red), and William (Bill) Purdum, and an infant son Richard.  She is survived by her husband Richard, her three daughters Pamela B. Heizler, Phillips, Teresa R. Staples, Phillips, Roxanne M. and husband Kim Horkey, South Dakota, son Fred and his wife Judy (Bleck) Heizler of Phillips. Bonnie's sister Phyllis (Purdum) Peters and her husband Allen of Lansing Michigan. Grandchildren Chad Makovsky and his wife Stephanie of Arizona, Cassandra Kimbrough and her husband Adam of Arizona, Joseph Fiedler and his wife Kerry of California, Richard Calkins of Florida, Bonnie Calkins of Wisconsin, Olivia Staples of Wisconsin, Abigail Staples of Minnesota, Joshua Horkey and his wife Hollie of Florida, and Ryan Horkey and his wife Katie of  Minnesota.  Bonnie’s family also includes many great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren who will carry on her spirit.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 4^, 2023, at Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home, 284 Chestnut St, Phillips, Wisconsin, Pastor Dean Arbs of St. John Lutheran officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until the time of the service.  A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at starting at 5pm at Southfork Supper Club in Lugerville, Wisconsin. Friends and family are invited to join in remembrance and support during this time of reflection.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am.”

John 14: 1-3