Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 5-7 PM with the Rosary beginning at 7 at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Blair. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 3 PM at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Blair. Burial will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Blair.

Bonnie Jo Gutschow was born on October 13, 1958, in Storm Lake, Iowa. After several moves, she landed in Blair. At just 15 years old, she met the love of her life, Mark. She never dated anyone else because she never needed to. Their love story began as teenagers and grew into a beautiful marriage on March 12, 1982. For more than four decades, they built a life centered on love, laughter, unwavering devotion, and family. Mark was truly the love of Bonnie's life. Bonnie was Mark's biggest cheerleader. As he worked to earn his degrees and begin a career in education, she provided unwavering love, encouragement, and support, helping carry their young family through every late night and challenge along the way.

Bonnie dedicated her career to serving others. She began as a secretary at Con-E-Co before finding her second home in education. She spent the remainder of her career serving the students, staff, and families of Arbor Park School and Blair Community Schools as a secretary, health aide, and substitute teacher until her retirement in 2024.

To generations of students and staff, she was simply "Miss Bonnie." Her warm smile, caring heart, and willingness to help anyone made her a beloved fixture in the schools and community. No matter where she went, someone's face would light up at the mention of Miss Bonnie. If there was one word to describe Bonnie, it was selfless. She quietly put everyone else before herself, never asking for recognition and always finding joy in caring for those she loved. She balanced that kindness with just the right amount of sass, making those around her laugh while lovingly keeping them on their toes. She was brave, strong, fiercely loyal, and the steady rock of her family. Nothing brought Bonnie greater happiness than being surrounded by her family.

She was endlessly proud of her three children; Shannon (Mark) Jones, Kiley (Cole) Fredrick, and Blake (Brittany) Gutschow. Becoming "Gigi" was one of the greatest joys of her life. Her grandchildren—Ellasyn Mae, Lakely Jo, Benson Lee, and Graceyn Meadow—had their Gigi completely wrapped around their fingers, and she wouldn't have had it any other way. She treasured every moment with them, creating memories they will carry with them forever. Bonnie also held a special place in her heart for her beloved grandpuppy, Ranger, who often jokingly claimed the title of favorite grandchild.

Showing up was Bonnie's love language. From Mark's Legion baseball games with three young children in tow to every event that followed, she was always there. Bonnie never missed her kids' or grandkids' games, races, concerts, or special events. When Bonnie wasn't spending time with family, she loved shopping, decorating her home, meeting friends for coffee, and embracing everything Christmas. In fact, Christmas season often began in August, much to the amusement of her family, as she lovingly pestered everyone for their Christmas wish lists long before the leaves had changed colors.

Her favorite place on earth was Eagle Bay Lodge on Eagle Lake near Park Rapids, Minnesota. There, she could be found floating peacefully on the lake with her eyes closed, soaking up every warm ray of sunshine. The friendships she built there became family, and her Eagle Bay community held a special place in her heart. She loved wandering through downtown Park Rapids and Dorset, never passing up the chance for a Maple Nut ice cream cone. Bonnie was a proud Husker fan, happily cheered for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sundays, and rooted for the Kansas City Royals—often just to support Mark's misery. Football season also meant playful banter with Blake over his beloved Green Bay Packers, conversations that always ended with smiles.

Bonnie's kindness never wavered, even in the face of her illness. During her time at Nebraska Medicine, she never let any member of her healthcare team leave her room without first saying, "Thank you." Even while enduring treatments and unimaginable challenges, she remained more concerned with showing gratitude than with her own circumstances. It was one of the countless ways she reminded everyone around her that kindness costs nothing but means everything.

Above everything else, Bonnie loved deeply. She made people feel welcome, remembered the little things, celebrated others' successes, and gave of herself without hesitation. She leaves behind a legacy not measured by accomplishments, but by the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, unwavering love, and quiet strength.

She leaves her devoted husband, Mark; her children: Shannon (Mark) Jones, Kiley (Cole) Fredrick, and Blake (Brittany) Gutschow; her cherished grandchildren: Ellasyn Mae, Lakely Jo, Benson Lee, and Graceyn Meadow; along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her mother and step-father JoAnn and Dennis Condon and extended family. Though her family will miss her beyond words, they find comfort in knowing that the love she poured into each of them will continue to guide them every day.

In lieu of flowers, the Gutschow family requests that memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to Blair Community Schools.

Services provided by Campbell Aman Funeral Home, Blair.

~~~ obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

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