Bonnie Rae Schmidt, age 69, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at her home under the care of Asera Care Hospice. She was born June 21, 1946 in Merrill to the late Harold and Rena (Bondioli) Volkman. On February 14, 1999, she and Wilfred Schmidt were united in marriage in Tomahawk, WI. He survives.
Bonnie graduated from Merrill High School class of 1964, and went on to North Central Technical College, where she attended nursing classes. She worked as a CNA in Medford Hospital as well as Pine Crest Nursing Home. Bonnie most recently worked as a customer service representative at Kwik Trip and at the truck stop on 51 in Merrill. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, spending time and having lunches with her daughter, Sarah, and riding horses at Blue Haven Stables on their annual trail ride with her granddaughter, Emily. Bonnie also enjoyed watching birds, as well as all wildlife, from her patio and deck. She also liked traveling occasionally and taking a casino run every now and then. Bonnie was very fun loving lady with a great sense of humor. Everyone loved her and enjoyed being around her. Bonnie was very funny and always a prankster! Most importantly, family was first and foremost to her, the center of her life. She will be sadly missed.
Survivors include her two daughters: Sarah (Tim) Taggart, Merrill, and Carmen Zittlow, Gleason; one son: Cory (Kim) Zittlow, Lake Elsinore, CA; one brother: Ronald “Pudge” Hulke, Lady Lake, FL; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Rena Volkman.
A shared Celebration of Bonnie’s Life and her daughter, Sarah’s birthday, will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 12 noon at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Missy Holdorf will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 AM until the time of service, also at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Merrill Memorial Park. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.