ROCHELLE — Marilyn Ann Bonneau, 96, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Manor Court in Rochelle, Illinois.  Marilyn was born on January 12, 1928 near Bancroft, Nebraska, the daughter of Albert T. and Anna A. (Buchholz) Ross.  On June 6, 1948, she married Rollan Bonneau at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft, NE.  Rollan preceded her in death on March 11, 1989.  

In 1957, the family moved to Belvidere, IL. They resided there until 1975 and then relocated to Rochelle.  Marilyn was always an educator.  She taught in one-room schools in Nebraska in the 1940's. In 1959, the opportunity to enter the teaching field arose again.  She taught in Belvidere for 16 years, in the public schools and at Immanuel Lutheran School. As she taught, she was striving to get her Bachelor’s degree.  In 1971, this was accomplished, followed by a Master’s Degree in Education in 1981.  At that time, she was teaching in Creston, IL.  

Marilyn was active in the community life of Rochelle.  Member and past president of the Rochelle Woman’s Club, past president of the Rochelle Lioness Club, a member of the Vince Carney Community Theater, Rochelle Historical Society, Rochelle Community Hospital Auxiliary and Delta Kappa Gamma.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a member of the Debra Circle. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday School.  The delights in her life were family, music and bridge which she shared with her friends. 

Those who mourn the passing of Marilyn are her daughters: Lynn Bonneau of Madison, WI, Patricia (Bill) McCoy of Belvidere, IL and Jean (Steve) Butz of Rochelle; son, Jim (Dan Feisst) Bonneau of Madison, WI; five grandchildren: Brett (Cori) McCoy, Chuck Butz,  Laura (Brandon) Shaw, Kelly Hannon and Tracy (Jamie) Young; great grandchildren: Taylor and Cheyenne McCoy, Madison and Brady Jozefowicz; great-great grandchild Jaylyn Brantley.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by a grandson: Frank Bonneau, three sisters: Leona Nelson, Leoba Hermseyer and Laura Kosowski and two brothers: Harley and Louis Ross.

The visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M., Sunday, March 17, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 18 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Ave., Rochelle with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating.  Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran School or Creston Grade School.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.