Bernice Arlene (Genz) Yeoman, 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024 in Davenport, Iowa after living a long, beautiful and blessed life. Bernice, affectionately known as Bonnie, was born on May 9, 1929 in Postville, Iowa. Bonnie grew up in Northeast, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Carrie (Schlitter) Genz, along with her sister and two brothers. Growing up in God’s country, Bonnie learned to love and respect nature and all things outdoors. Bonnie helped her family with the farming chores, developing her strong work ethic, her independent will, her fierceness, and everyone’s favorite of her attributes, her orneriness. She was known to say, “Sometimes you just have to be ornery” and she got a big kick out of bantering with her family and friends, sometimes sticking out her tongue or giving a wink to ensure you caught on to the joke.
Her family moved to Davenport, Iowa, where she was employed by both Nichols Aluminum Inc. and The Hiland Potato Chip Co. In 1949, Bonnie met the man who would become her husband of 42 years, Theodore William (Bill) Yeoman. Bonnie and Bill met, like many couples at that time, dancing at the COL Ballroom. Together they created a loving home in Rock Island, IL, where they raised their five children, Judith, Deborah, Vicki, Daniel, and Amy. Bonnie sewed clothes for her children (and for her children’s toys), was passionate about family dinners and holidays, served as a youth fellowship leader at their church, and was an active member of the PTA. When asked what her purpose was in life, without hesitation, she answered “My family.” Bonnie was known to say, “I count my blessings every day,” always recognizing how truly blessed she was. Bonnie was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and would regularly let them know. Bonnie had a green thumb and truly enjoyed having a garden, would preserve her harvest, and made the most delicious tomato juice around. She and Bill owned a summer home that the family lovingly referred to as “Up North,” where they made many lifelong friends, beautiful memories, and enjoyed time together fishing, swimming, boating, and hanging by the campfire. After being a homemaker for most of her life, she decided to become a self-employed cleaning service. She found great satisfaction and pride in cleaning her and other’s homes immaculately.
After Bill passed, Bonnie moved back to where her life began, Harpers Ferry, Iowa, where she lived for 20 years. She volunteered for the Axillary and had a ball spending time with her many dear friends. It was there where she met her companion of several years, Clem Gerhardt. Bonnie and Clem traveled together, treasured their daily drives, and shared their love of fishing. Bonnie was famous for “outfishing” everyone and would unabashedly show how much she enjoyed winning.
Bonnie adored music, specifically classic country, and played her music loud, which she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She notoriously used witty expressions to explain life’s complexities, making everything, no matter how difficult, feel more manageable. Bonnie lived a wonderful and joyous life leaving to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a legacy of countless treasured memories and the reassurance of always knowing we were loved beyond measure.
Bonnie is survived by her five children, Judith Yeoman, Deborah Vretis, Vicki Shaffer (Walter Sibiigtroth), Daniel Yeoman (Michelle DeLong), and Amy Shelton; many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore William Yeoman; her siblings, Donna Mae Genz, Wayne Genz, Evelyn Balichek, and Roland Genz; her grandchildren, Angela May Allen, Anthony Frank Vretis, and James William Vretis; her sons in law, Ralph (Jake) Shaffer and Edward Neary, and daughter in law Elaine Yeoman.
Services honoring Bonnie’s life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant.
The burial will immediately follow at Sixteen Cemetery, rural Monona, Iowa
A luncheon will be offered at The Harpers Ferry American Legion in Harpers Ferry, Iowa 118 N. 4th St. from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Memorials may be made to: the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Glioblastoma Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, or the charity of your choice.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with services.