Cover photo for Bonnie Paul Barstad (Gerry)'s Obituary
2021 Bonnie 2021

Bonnie Paul Barstad (Gerry)

February 10, 2021 — February 10, 2021

Madison/Verona - Bonnie Paul Barstad, age 88, very peacefully ascended to heaven from her home at Legacy Noel Manor on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

Bonnie (Dolores Rae Gerry) was born May 5, 1932 at Madison General Hospital.  She was the daughter of William Raymond Gerry and Theresa Laura (Cutler) Gerry McKiernan Wills, younger sister to Barbara Elaine Gerry McKiernan, older sister to Robert Eugene McKiernan and Rogalyn (Robert) Lindsley (Wills).

Bonnie was known as a "downtown Madison girl,” who as a child grew up living on Spaight Street, State Street and Mifflin Street (East and West).  She attended Washington Grade School and graduated from Central High School in 1950.  She loved roller skating, ice skating, music, playing piano and dancing.

From a very early age Bonnie helped take care of her sister, Bubbles, brother, Buzz, and their home while her mother worked.  She babysat for children starting at age 9. Beginning in 1949 she worked at Goodman’s Jewelry Store, First National Bank in the Bookkeeping Department, a waitress at the Hoffman House Restaurant, and the Rhodes Restaurant, and home childcare while her children were young.  From 1968 until 1989 Bonnie had a career at the Hilldale State Bank starting as Customer Service Representative, moving up to Commercial Business Officer and retiring as Real Estate Loan Officer.  In 1990 until 2013 Bonnie became a Real Estate Agent with Weber Realty (now known as First Weber Realtors).

Bonnie had a fabulous sense of humor.  She loved jokes and was a kind and extremely generous lady.  She was vivacious, happy, enjoyed cooking, cleaning, loved children, loved dogs, and was immensely proud of her family. She was a talented designer and decorator. She and husband, Donald Knutson, designed and built the home their children grew up in.

Bonnie is survived by her children: Donald (Dianna) Knutson, Jeannie (Jeff-deceased 2017) Da Walt, Kristine (Michael) Smieja, Kathleen Cartwright, Kelly Knutson and stepson Lester Paul; grandchildren: Darrick (Rebecca) Knutson, Carrie Knutson, Nick (Shannon) Kooyman, Layne (Karen) Knutson, Bryce (Julie) Da Walt, Leigh (Kevin) Burmeister, Guy (Samantha) Da Walt, Jody Bacon, Jerry Michael, Stephen (Anney) Smieja, Susan Borten, James (Samantha) Kimbro, Ali (Joel) Merritt, Marina (Zach) Gearman, Chloe (Nick) Roberts and Lily Paul; many adored great-grandchildren; and sister, Rogalyn.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, February 27, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road.  A visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until the time of the service. The service will be streamed. Click on the following link to access the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony/?c=ba33cbc4-bbce-40b8-83ea-2d8302282aba

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bonnie Paul Barstad (Gerry), please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, February 27, 2021

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

Cress Funeral Home Madison - Speedway

3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI 53705

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)

Cress Funeral Home Madison - Speedway

3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI 53705

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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