passed away Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the age of 85 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont, Nebraska.
Bonnie Lou (Peterson) Havekost was born August 7th, 1933 to Vernon and Dorothy (Hansen) Peterson at West Point, Nebraska. She attended rural schools in Cuming County and graduated as valedictorian and homecoming queen from West Point High School in 1951. She attended Wayne State College, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and then Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree. Later she received a Master of Science in Education Degree from UNL in 1980.
Bonnie Lou Married Milton Havekost on July 24th, 1955 at West Side Methodist Church in rural Oakland, Nebraska. Their first home was an apartment above a grocery store in Scribner while she taught in the Scribner Public Schools. In 1956, they moved to Milt's family farm southwest of Scribner. They farmed for 9 years until moving to Fremont in 1965. Bonnie left full-time teaching for 14 years to raise her three sons. She also took up being a student again taking classes to get her Midland College Degree. In 1976 she went back to full time teaching in Fremont at Howard School until retiring in 1993. She spent her final 16 years of teaching, loving those kindergartners at Howard! Bonnie loved children and teaching especially kindergarten. She taught in the following schools: District 74 (a one room rural school in Cuming County County), Norfolk Public Schools, Scribner Public Schools, Rosedale School in Dodge County, and Fremont Public Schools with a total of 24 ½ years of fulltime teaching. Bonnie also taught as a substitute teacher for 12 years. Beyond the classroom, Bonnie's focus in life was her family and friends. She enjoyed music (especially Barbershop Quartet harmony) square dancing, and board games.
She was a 53 year member of First Lutheran Church in Fremont. Throughout her time as a member she held roles as: Secretary of the Parish Board of Education, Secretary of the Church Council, choir member, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, WELCA member and Ruth Circle member. She was also a 7 year participant in Bible Study Fellowship.
Survivors include: husband Milton Havekost of Fremont, 3 sons Todd (Brenda) Havekost of San Antonio, Texas, Scott (Amy) Havekost of Franklin, Indiana, Michael (Sandra) Havekost of Beatrice, Nebraska, sisters-in-law Elvera Davis, Ethel Stuehmer, Betty Seigfreid, Delores Dunker, brothers-in-law Stanley Stuehmer and Howard Seigfreid. She has 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Dorothy Peterson, brother Donnelly Peterson, two year old sister Maxine, sisters-in-law Delores Suhr, Berniece Peterson, Mildred Sorenson, brothers-in-law Donald Havekost, LenardSuhr, Donald Sorenson, Lyle Davis, and Harold Dunker.
A public memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 12th, 2019 at 11 AM at First Lutheran Church, 3200 E. Military Ave, Fremont. Bonnie was a cancer survivor and she desired to include the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in addition to the Midland University Scholarship Fund and First Lutheran Church as Memorial recipients.
Online guestbook at www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(14)
Debby Plambeck
Valley, NE Saturday, March 9, 2019 Dear Milt and Family,Our condolences to you all. We will all miss Bonnie's wonderful smile and her positive attitude. I had the pleasure of being in church circle with Bonnie and what a blessing that was. She was a very special lady.
Our sympathies, Lynn and Debby Plambeck
Kristen Kuhn
Clarks, NE Friday, March 8, 2019 My deepest sympathies to the Havekost men and their families. I was friends with Mike and Scott's wife Amy and belonged to First Lutheran Church. I remember Bonnie as such a kind warm person. I know God welcomed her with loving arms.Kristen (Norvell) Kuhn
Marcee Muller
Tecumseh, NE Friday, March 8, 2019 Havekost Family, sorry for your loss! Remember all the memories you have shared together. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! With Sympathy, Marcee MullerDorothy Brei
Omaha, NE Friday, March 8, 2019 My prayers and sympathy to all of you at Bonnie's death. May the Lord comfort you as only He can.Thinking of you all brings back old memories from the Ridgeley church era.
Ken Meier
Mt. Juliet, TN Thursday, March 7, 2019 Always smiling. Kindergarteners loved her. I loved working at Howard with her.Ron & Freda Hocking
Terre Haute, IN Thursday, March 7, 2019 Dear Milt and family,Bonnie.was such a great kindergarten teacher and a wonderful friend. I have so many fond memories of our years together at Howard School. One of my favorites is watching her lead her kindergarten class through the halls with a hand puppet whispering in her ear about who was walking quietly and who should remember to stay in line. She was such a special lady!
Duane & DeMaris Humphrey
Fremont, NE Thursday, March 7, 2019 Milt & Family,Very sorry to learn of Bonnie's death. We are out of town so will be unable to attend her service. We were fortunate to have two children in her kindergarten class. She was not only an outstanding teacher but provided us with guidance as parents that greatly impacted their entire education at Fremont and beyond.
Ron Poggensee
Reno, NV Thursday, March 7, 2019 Bonnie was the nicest and most caring person that I have ever know. The world lost a real treasure. My deepest sympathy to the Havekost family.David Probst
Fremont, NE Thursday, March 7, 2019 Bonnie was one of the best kindergarten teachers I have ever met. She loved her students and her students loved her. I had the opportunity to work with Bonnie for about six years and during that time I never saw her have a bad day! She was always so positive and uplifting and I can only envision the smile on her face when Jesus said well done good and faithful servant!Crissy Schlapfer Chadwick
, TX Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Mrs. Havekost was a true inspiration to me. She showed incredible love & kindness to all her kiddos. I had her for a 2nd grade teacher at Howard and I truly will always remember her generous soul.DONALD DICKMEYER
OMAHA, NE Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Milt,Todd,Scott and Mike.. Elke and I are sorry to read that Bonnie has passed away. She was one of the nicest and caring people as well as a fine teacher. We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your extended family.Franklin "Frank" Roby
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Milt and family:I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. Bonnie was a great Kindergarten Teacher. I vividly remember calling her, "Mom" on several occasions. She really was a role model. She was always gracious, caring, and loving.
Peace be with you.
Sharon Carlson
FREMONT, NE Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Bonnie was a great kindergarten teacher, a wonderful coworker and friend.She will be deeply missed by all that knew her. Sharon and Gary Carlson
Bo LaMar
Fremont, NE Monday, March 4, 2019 Milt and sons,Sending our thoughts and prayers to you.
Bo LaMar andf Family