Bonnie K Laatsch, age 72, died January 1, 2024 at Aspirus Hospital Wausau after a short illness. She was born on February 18, 1951, to Melbourne and Lois (Steckling) Laatsch. Bonnie was a kind, gentle soul who brought smiles and joy to her family and friends in numerous ways. A talented baker and cook, she often created treats to share on holidays and special occasions with all whom she loved. She was very creative and enjoyed decorating her home for each holiday, be it Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving and having family over to celebrate these occasions. Many of the decorations Bonnie created herself including Christmas ornaments of angels, stars, and reindeer she made from a variety of materials.

Bonnie enjoyed visiting her family and travelling. She especially enjoyed going up to a cottage her parents had on Clear Lake in Tomahawk, riding the pontoon boat and fishing in the lake. One of her favorite activities at the cottage was picking blackberries and raspberries which she used to make delicious pies. The cottage also was a place close to grandparents and other family that she enjoyed spending time with. She took numerous trips to see her sister Jennifer and brother in-law Rich Robinson in Chicago enjoying visiting Michigan Avenue, taking a carriage ride, going to Soldier Field and taking a boat tour on the Spirit of Chicago. Bonnie traveled with her brother Gary and sister in-law Carol to Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains on a family vacation and was thrilled by the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Her love of animals both in nature and pets was unrivalled. She loved and cared for numerous canine companions such as Muffy, Cuddles, and Peppy along with feline ones Snuggles, Bear and Smokey.

Bonnie attended Trinity Lutheran School and Grant School, John Muir Middle School, and graduated from Wausau East High School. For forty years she worked in the kitchen at Colonial Manner Nursing Home sharing her talents and care with their residents.

She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers, taking cake decorating classes, watching the Packers play, and going out for a good fish fry. Bonnie often would bake and make treats for her niece Kim and nephew Shawn for the holidays including hand decorated cut-out cookies, peppernuts and cinnamon rolls. She hosted the family in her home for a variety of special meals.

Bonnie has rejoined her parents, Melbourne and Lois Laatsch, brother Gary and brother-in law Rich in heaven. She is survived by her sister Jennifer Laatsch Robinson, sister in-law Carol Laatsch, nephew Shawn Laatsch and Kim Cooper (Maine), and niece Kim Laatsch and Chris Berger (Wausau).

A memorial service celebration of her life will take place in June.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting family at this time.  Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS