Bonnie Rissman

Bonnie J. Rissman, 88, of Waukon, IA, died Friday, September 15, 2017, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Monday, September 18, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Grant VanderVelden officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 AM until the time of services Monday at the funeral home.

Bonnadine June Rissman was born June 7, 1929, in Waterville, IA, the daughter of John Arthur and Esther Alvina (Larson) Pederson. She was raised by her uncle and aunt Henry Emil and Esabella Marie (Larson) Kosbau. Bonnie was baptized at Waterville Lutheran Church and confirmed at Zion Reformed Church in Waukon, IA. She attended Waukon High School and later received her G.E.D. On January 29, 1946, she and Herbert Julius Rissman went on their first date; that night he asked her to marry him and she said yes. They were married on October 1, 1946, at Zion Reformed Parsonage in Waukon. They farmed with Herbie's parents; later his parents moved into Waukon. In 1970, Bonnie and Herbie also moved to Waukon. In 1975, she took a course at Northgate Care Center as a basic nurse's aide; she worked there for two years. She then went to work at Waukon High School as a baker and cook for 28 years. In September of 2006, Northgate Care Center hired her as a part-time housekeeper.

Bonnie was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Waukon and the VFW Auxiliary. Roller skating was her first love, but she gave up it for Herbie as she loved him more. However, she took it up again in her 70s, roller skating in her basement. She also loved music, especially Patsy Cline, singing, dancing, and working. Bonnie liked entertaining and hosted parties in her basement for family and friends. She loved her family and they took yearly trips to her brother Warren's cabin at a lake in Missouri. She and Herbie were Adventureland "investors" and made several trips to the park to camp. Branson, MO was also an important destination for them, and they went every year for 20-some years.

Survivors include her children: Rick (Susan) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Reggie (Lori) of Luana, IA, and Renay (Danny) Gallagher and Rhonda (Russ) Hennum, both of Waukon; daughter-in-law Dianne Rissman of Postville, IA; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Herbert in 2003; son Randy; granddaughter Meghan Thies; grandson Troy Gallagher; two brothers: Jack and Warren Pederson; and sister Rhoda Johnson.