Bonna "Bonnie" Lee Sanderman

Bonnie L. Sanderman, 93, of Cedar Falls, IA, formerly of Waukon, IA, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls, surrounded by the love of her family. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 26th, at 1:00 PM at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Cathy Jurgens officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 12:00 PM until time of services at the funeral home on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

Bonna “Bonnie”  Lee Sanderman was born on August 13, 1932, at her grandmother’s home in Ludlow Township, in rural Waukon, IA, the daughter of Walter and Evangeline (Stock) Grotegut. Bonnie graduated from Waukon High School in 1950. On July 10, 1951, she married the love of her life, Neil Sanderman, and together they raised three children. She enjoyed farm life, but she also possessed a quiet determination to continue learning. In 1971, she returned to school at Area One in Calmer, IA, and graduated the top of her nursing class, fulfilling her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She began her nursing career at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, where her exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication led her to become the Director of Nursing until she retired. Bonnie was respected for her commitment to providing outstanding care and for the positive impact she had on countless patients and families.

Bonnie treasured the life she built with her husband Neil. She enjoyed being the co-pilot in the single engine plane Neil flew. Together, they enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River, square dancing, and motorcycle rides. She especially enjoyed sewing and quilting and donated many of her items to local charities. After retiring, she and Neil spent winters in Mesa, AZ, frequently traveling around the country in their Airstream. They always enjoyed time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bonnie was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon.

Bonnie is survived by her three children: LuAnn (Steve) Stoakes of Waterloo, IA, Robert (Barbara) Sanderman of Far Hills, NJ, and Judy (Scott) Johnson of Brownsville, MN; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Neil in 2015: a sister Joanne Groth; granddaughter Alicia Sanderman; and nephew Craig Martins.

Casketbearers are Lucas, Charlie, and Max Stoakes, Bryce Wandling, Heath Larsen, and Michael Brunner.