Bonnie M. Kirkwood

Bonnie (Dempster) Kirkwood passed away September 18,2024 at Oak Gardens Place, Altoona, Wisconsin.

Bonnie was born January 29,1932, in Illinois.  She grew up in Le Mars, Iowa. Here she met her future husband, Richard ‘Dick’ Kirkwood.  From teenagers until his passing in 2013, Bonnie and Dick were inseparable. 

Bonnie graduated with a graduate degree from the Iowa State Teachers’ College, now University of Northern Iowa, specializing in home economics and art.

Bonnie taught junior high school in Avoca and Iowa City before teaching at the University of Iowa while Dick continued graduate school.

Bonnie moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, when Dick started teaching at UW-Eau Claire.  A year later she began teaching in the Apparel, Textile and Design Department at UW-Stout.  She taught here from 1964 until her retirement in 1996.

Bonnie lived a full, eclectic life. With Dick she had several hobbies including gardening, fishing, but most prolifically, collecting.  This started by attending flea markets in Eau Claire parking lots and grew to buying and selling unique antiques throughout the Midwest.

Bonnie also loved decorating, for all and every season.  Her house was full-on red, white and blue for 4th of July to flying witches, pumpkins and hay bales for Halloween, her favorite holiday.

Bonnie will be missed by all those who were lucky enough to know her.

Remembrance gathering Friday, November 1, 3:00-4:30 at Chippewa Valley Museum.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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