Bonnie L. Thoorsell

Bonnie L. Thoorsell, 76, Superior resident, died Monday, January 7, 2019 in her home. She was born on November 8, 1942 in Superior, WI to Everett and Naomi (Dougherty) Bates.

She graduated in 1960 from the former East High School in Superior and attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Bonnie married George Thoorsell on May 25, 1963 and they celebrated forty years of marriage before his passing in 2003. She was a daycare provider in East End Superior for over thirty-seven years and graduated over 150 children and over 10 of them were second generation children.

She was an active member of First United Methodist Church and more recently Faith United Methodist Church. She volunteered for many functions throughout her life and was exceptionally fond of her work with the Meals Outreach Program connected to both First United and Faith United Methodist Churches. In 2016, she received recognition with the Presidents Volunteer Service Award from the United Methodist Church Women where she served as President several times. She also received the Citizen of the Year Award in 2009. Bonnie and her husband, George adopted many children over the years that were in need of home and shelter.  Bonnie was a lifetime member of the PTA. She enjoyed reading, playing games like bridge and bunko and giving rides to people.

Bonnie is survived by two daughters, Pamela (Ronald Weiss) Thoorsell, Superior, WI and Georgeann (Fred) Flatten, Webster, WI; one son, Chris Thoorsell, Superior, WI; eight grandchildren, James Patzer, Amanda (Michael) Strauman, Jr., Leighann (Tony) Mensen, Justin Patzer, Brittany (Niels) Van Viet, Emily Flatten, Alfred Flatten and Frances Bates; three great-granddaughters, Shaylynn Patzer, Natalie Grace Mensen and Billie Marie Van Viet. She is preceded in death by her husband George, parents and brother John Bates.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Faith United Methodist Church, 1531 Hughitt Avenue, Superior and continue until the 11:00 AM funeral service with Pastor Joel Certa-Werner officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5 ^th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com .