Obituary: Bonnie Jean Knauf Warwick

Bonnie Jean Knauf Warwick, 63, of Sturgeon Bay, died peacefully Monday night, December 19, 2016 in the comfort of her home with her family at her side.

She was born January 13, 1953 in Rhinelander, the daughter of Kenneth Robert Wells and Ruth Jeanette (Carlson). Following her graduation from Rhinelander High School in 1971, she went on to study accounting at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, earning her degree in 1973. Bonnie was locally employed at various places prior to moving to Sturgeon Bay in the late 1980s. Sturgeon Bay and other Door County residents as well as visitors will probably remember Bonnie as having been their waitress at My Sister’s Café, the Corner Café, and most recently at Kimz Galley Café until her health prevented her from working in May of 2016.

On February 29, 1996, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gary Steven Warwick, in Sturgeon Bay. They shared over 15 years of marriage together, although Bonnie often joked that they only celebrated four wedding anniversaries as they were married on a leap year.

Together, Bonnie and Gary enjoyed camping as property owners at Harbour Village in Carlsville in Door County. For five straight years, they were recognized for having the best decorated site during Halloween and Christmas in July. Bonnie also liked gardening, playing bingo, and going to the movies. She was a member of TOPS, the YMCA, and also bowled in the women’s league at Apple Valley Lanes, all in Sturgeon Bay. Bonnie loved spending time with her family.

Those who knew her, knew how tough and what a fighter she was, having lived with multiple sclerosis nearly half her life and battling cancer several times over the past 10 years.

Bonnie will be missed by her three daughters, Stephanie (Josh) DuBois, Amy (Rodrick Jr.) Steward, Nicole (Chris Whipple) Warwick, all of Sturgeon Bay; ten grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister and brother, Linda (Vernon) Slack, Mark (Louise) Wells, all of Rhinelander; special friend, Tim Moore of Maplewood; aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and her best friend and companion (her dog), Pugsley.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; father, Kenneth Wells, mother and stepfather, Ruth (John “Jack”) Bartholomae; her husband, Gary; brother, Kenneth “Punky” Wells; six young siblings; aunts and uncles; and nieces and nephews.

Bonnie’s life will be honored with a memorial service held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2017 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Chaplain Mark Richards officiating. Burial will be amongst family in Northland Memorial Park in Rhinelander.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Huehns Funeral Home on Monday, January 2, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank St. Vincent’s Oncology Department at Door County Medical Center, DOOR CANcer Inc., and Unity Hospice for the fantastic care extended to our mother and our entire family during our time of need.

Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.