Bonnie Exner

Bonnie E. Exner

March 18, 1937 – September 10, 2018

Niles – Bonnie E. (Susan) Exner, 81, passed away in her home on Monday, September 10, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Bonnie was born on March 18, 1937 in South Bend to the late George Gilbert and Mary Margaret (Johnson) Susan. On June 26, 1956, Bonnie married Herman John Exner and he passed away on August 2, 2014. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Judith Davis.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Susan (Kevin) Call, and Gregory (Janis) Exner; grandchildren, Ashlee (Chris) Trensey, Adam Simons, and Brian Exner; great-grandson, Jensen Trensey; nephew, Harold (Melanie) Davis, niece, Nanette (Jake) Countess; and sister-in-law, Jeanette (Chuck) Albin.

Bonnie worked in the kitchen at Ballard School while her children were young. Then worked many tax account jobs, most recently at H&R Block. Her husband, Herman was a fulltime fireman and Bonnie took on the role of a full time Fireman’s wife and supported him by taking on the difficult task of raising children in his absence while he served the Niles community. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, baking, camping, and genealogy. She loved animals and her constant companion, Shadow. She could always be found at any activity that her children or grandchildren were involved in. She adored the light of her life, her great-grandson, Jensen. In 1980, Bonnie and Herman, hosted a foreign exchange student from Bolivia, Lenny Herrera-Mass. Lenny became a second daughter and returned to live with them while attending college. Lenny and her family, husband Luis, and daughters, Silvana, Jackie, and DeAnnah remain a part of our family. Bonnie is a member of St. John’s UCC and cherished her church family and participated in many church activities.

A Memorial Service for Bonnie will be celebrated at 11am on Friday, September 14, 2018 in St. John’s United Church of Christ, 601 Sycamore St. Niles, MI 49120 where family and friends may gather one hour prior to the Service. A luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com.