Bonnie Grace Doelling, 80 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025. She was born March 30, 1944, in Valparaiso, to the late Lester and Esther (Berndt) Thompson. Bonnie graduated from Liberty Township High School. She went on to several rewarding careers, including as a seamstress, as a bakery manager for Valparaiso High School, and as a children’s clothing buyer for the Highland Department Store in downtown Valparaiso. Bonnie was also a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a Sunday School Teacher at Faith Lutheran Church, and a Girl Scout Leader for her daughters. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking her family to pick fresh fruits and vegetables for canning. Bonnie was talented in the kitchen, and famous for her peach preserves, canned tomatoes, and tomato juice. She also had a good time playing computer games, cards, Bunco, and Pinochle. Bonnie especially loved spending time with her husband, Paul, going bowling, roller skating, dancing, fishing, and traveling the world together. Bonnie will be remembered for her good-humored spirit, feisty personality, generous nature, and her beautiful smile that lit up every room she entered. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed.
On June 11, 1964, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Bonnie married the love of her life, Paul E. Doelling, who survives, along with their daughters: Malissa (Douglas Howard) Doelling, and Paula Doelling; grandchildren: Ashleigh Happer, Orrin Lynn, Joshua Osterhout, and Maggie Osterhout. She was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Ray; and infant brother, Charles Thompson.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN, with private burial at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Click here to watch the recorded funeral service.
GUESTBOOK
So very sorry to hear of your mom, wife and grandmothers passing. She was such a lovely lady. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, -William and Pamela (Edwards) Potoczek
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your Mom. Our prayers are with you. May she rest in peace. -Jim, Elizabeth, Sarah, Andrew Bernard and Monica Soberri
Not able to make it today. Your family has been in my heart and prayers. -Freda Scales
My condolences to her WHOLE family. -Wendy Leib Ehlers
