Bonnie Bartel

Ms. Bonnie Bartel of Port Washington, formerly of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully at High Point Residence in Port Washington on Monday morning, April 28, 2025. She was 84 years old.

Bonnie was born on Dec. 31, 1940, in Chippewa Falls, Wis., to George and Mabel (nee Boettcher) Kurth.  

She attended local schools, completed her education in Chippewa Falls and later raised her family there.  

Bonnie clerked for a doctor’s office and other businesses in town, including running the delicatessen for a while. She moved to Port Washington in the 1980s to be near her daughter and eventually took the position of secretary to the administrator of Harbor Club, a job she held for almost 15 years.

Bonnie loved cooking and baking, especially for large holiday meals. She was quite popular with her carrot cake and the Christmas cookies she made. She enjoyed music and could often be found listening to the smooth crooning of Frank Sinatra or quiet piano music.

Her grandchildren enjoyed rides in Grandma’s “red bug” and feeding the ducks at Newport Shores. Each child cherished their time with her. Bonnie had a special bond with Bowser, her daughter’s Newfoundland dog, and loved taking him for rides around town.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Merla (Mark) Mersereau of Port Washington, son Bart Bartel of Texas and twins Stephan Bartel of Ohio and Stephanie Tara of Madison; and 10 grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Gaulke, Tyler Mersereau, Dr. Erik (Amy) Mersereau, Tanner Mersereau, Caitlyn Mersereau, Logan Bartel, Garret Bartel, Meghan Bartel, Vivek Tara and Karan Tara. 

She is further survived by five great-grandchildren, Henry, Hudson, and Harrison Gaulke, Ezra Mersereau and Gwendalyn Jo Bartel, sister-in-law Jacqueline Kurth of Colorado, other family members and friends.  

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents George and Mabel and brother Merlen Kurth.

Per her wishes, private family services were held.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.