Bonnie Mae (Danielson) Wanska

Her impact on people was felt in ways great and small, leaving a lasting impression on so many.

Bonnie was born on May 14, 1946, to Segard (Mike) and Leona (Mechon) Danielson of Amasa, Michigan. She grew up with her sister Marilyn, and constant companions, cousins Roger, Bob and Kathleen.

In 1978, she married the love of her life, George (Sonny) Wanska.

She devoted her professional life to nursing, graduating from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1967 and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University in 1973. For more than 43 years, Bonnie served her community as a nurse at Marquette General Hospital, primarily in the ICU. Her uncompromising excellence was evident in all that she did. She continually trained other nurses with more than one nurse remembering her as “Bonnie by the book” and telling her family that “she taught me all that I know.” Beyond the hospital, Bonnie enjoyed serving as a volunteer nurse during the Special Olympics, often staying nights at the hotel to address any needs that arose.

A devout Catholic, Bonnie contributed her time and talent to St. Louis the King Church. She was a member of the choir, the decorating committee, the funeral support team and the prayer shawl ministries. She was often one of the first called when the parish had a need.

Bonnie had a wide range of other interests and activities. She cared for the family homestead in Amasa. Along with her husband, Sonny, they contributed to the Golden Wildcat Booster Club and loved hosting international and out-of-state NMU students as ‘adoptive parents.’ They were avid sports fans with some of her favorite sports being NMU hockey and volleyball. For many years, Bonnie worked with the UP200 sled dogs doing vet checks. Bonnie also enjoyed doing arts and crafts, especially crocheting prayer shawls and baby blankets.

Bonnie is survived by Sonny, her husband of 46 years, her dear sister, Marilyn (Jim) Kozar of Hillside, Illinois and their grown children who she loved as her own: Jim (Julie) Kozar of Knoxville, Tennessee and Sheri (Mike) Ortiz of Romeoville, Illinois as well as their children. She is also survived by her husband’s family: Sharon (Bernie) Stewart of Snohomish, Washington; Marvin (Mary Kay) Wanska of Chatham, Michigan; Carol Ann and Susan Wanska of Mill Creek, Washington, nephew, Peter (Jennifer) Stewart and nieces Sandra (Jon) White, Shari (Ken Fredrick-Rock) Stewart, and Saara (Jeremy) Graves. She is also survived by several grandnieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her mother Leona Danielson and father Mike Danielson.

As the end grew near, people came from near and far to share their love for Bonnie. Childhood friends, nursing colleagues, athletes, coaches, fellow parishioners and family gathered to relive moments where Bonnie brought joy, shared knowledge and made a difference.

Bonnie’s legacy is a life well lived, serving and loving others.

Friends may call at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Thursday, December 5, beginning at 9:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Rev. Tom Merkel, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in Fr. Gauthier Hall. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bonnie suggested donations to one of the following charities which she supported: Bay Cliff Health Camp, Beacon House of Marquette, Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter or St. Louis the King Catholic Church.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.