Bonnie Sue Shafer, 74, departed this earth and was welcomed at the gates of Heaven by her twin brother and mother on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, at Dunlap Specialty Care. She was born in Denison on Nov. 11, 1950, alongside her twin brother, William, to parents, Alvin and Alvera (Asmus) Steinkuehler. She was raised in Dunlap, where she attended school. On May 20, 1967, at just 16 years old, Bonnie knew she had found the love of her life and made a lifelong commitment to Larry Shafer. In addition to living in Dunlap, the couple packed up their two boys and their life in a 1963 baby blue convertible and traveled to New York where they resided for six months before heading back to Iowa. They settled down in Woodbine, where they completed their family with the addition of a daughter. Bonnie began working at an early age and continued to be a hard worker throughout her life at various jobs. She began her job in hospitality before moving on to the meat sector, where she later became the head of quality control at multiple meat facilities. She eventually founded her own meat market in Woodbine and ended her career managing the meat department at Foodland. Bonnie was a member of the Lifeline Church in Dunlap and was instrumental in jail ministry for numerous years.
Seeing children, especially her own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brought Bonnie enormous delight throughout her life. In everything she did, her true love for her family and nurturing nature was apparent. She was devoted to assisting people and did so wherever she could. Bonnie also enjoyed riding motorcycles with Larry and cherished their trips on a riverboat called the Branson Belle. She was also a chaplain for the Christian Motorcycle Association, which allowed her to combine her love of outreach and spirituality with providing consolation and direction to others. Bonnie's family and everyone who knew her will always treasure her spirit and especially her heart. Her generosity and dedication to others made a lasting impression.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Bill; brothers-in-law, Willy, Jerry and Dick; and sisters-in-law, Pam and Donna. She is survived by her husband, Larry of Woodbine; sons, David Shafer of Pisgah and Bill Shafer and his wife Crystal Shafer of Dunlap; daughter, Stacy and her husband John Frisk of Woodbine; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Buter, Lois Ferguson and Jack Kline, Mary Messenger and Alice Schwarte all of Dunlap; and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. The honorary pallbearers were Bonnie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
