Bonnie J. Thurnbeck

Bonnie J. Thurnbeck, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2026. Born on April 29, 1948, in Menomonie, Wisconsin to Wilbur and Hazel (Welch) Hake.

Bonnie graduated from Menomonie High School in 1966 and later completed vocational training, earning her medic (EMT) certification—an accomplishment that shaped much of her life’s work. Bonnie devoted many years to the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond, Wisconsin, where she held several roles but was best known for leading the medical records division.

Her dedication to medical field extended for many years. Bonnie worked as an EMT with the Hammond/Baldwin ambulance services, responding to emergencies with calm professionalism and a steady heart. She also served proudly on the Menomonie Fire and Rescue team as both an EMT and a firefighter—roles that spoke to her courage and unwavering desire to protect and support her community. In addition to her hands‑on service, Bonnie shared her knowledge and taught multiple classes in emergency medicine at WITC (Northwoods Community College).

On September 17, 2011, Bonnie married the love of her life, Darrell Thurnbeck. Their years together were filled with companionship, laughter, and a deep, steady devotion to each other. Darrell brought immense joy into Bonnie’s life, and their partnership was a source of strength and comfort to them both.

Bonnie’s greatest pride and deepest joy came from her family. Bonnie was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Dawn (born in 1969) and Jenifer (born in 1971). As her family grew, so did her happiness. Her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren were truly her life. Each milestone, each visit, each shared moment brought her immeasurable joy. Bonnie especially loved family gatherings, where everyone came together around good food, stories, and laughter. These moments of togetherness were the ones she treasured most. Though her absence leaves an ache that words cannot fully capture, her spirit remains present in the traditions she created and the memories that will be told and retold for years to come.

Bonnie enjoyed time spent up north with her family, cheering for her grandchildren at all of their activities, traveling, gardening, shopping, and cooking large meals that brought everyone to the table. Bonnie also had a fearless sense of adventure; she became certified in scuba diving and even rappelled off cliffs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Hazel Hake; her sister, Mary Miland; her brother, Thomas (Trout) Hake and nephews, Shad Miland and Ronnie Hake and special friend, Ann Marie Hake.

She is survived by her loving husband, Darrell Thurnbeck; daughters, Dawn Mason (Charles) of Turtle Lake and Jenifer Watson (Jay) of New Richmond, WI; grandchildren, Justin (Lauren) Brandt, Kyle (Caitlin) Brandt, Gabrielle Brandt, Abigail Watson, Benjamin Watson, Samantha Watson, Brooklyn Watson; great grandchildren, Bennett Brandt, Gwendolyn Brandt and Aiden Brandt; brothers, Jim Hake, Greg (Jan) Hake; brother-in-law, Terry Miland; nieces and nephews, Derek Miland, Nicole (Nick) Hake, Matthew (Dani) Hake and Alyssa Hake; and great nieces and nephews, Curtis (Abby) Hake, Lillian Hake and Madeline Hake.

Step-children and family, Serese (Brian) Honebrink , Carla (Dale) Nordenstrom, Jake (Jane) Thurnbeck; grandchildren, Blake, Brett and Levi Thurnbeck; Eli, Lucas, Isaac, Jenica and Jenie Honebrink; and Kylie Nordenstrom and three great grandchildren, Tricia Scholfield and Stacy (Mike) Lind; grandchildren Taylor Mangan, Tanner Flitter, Lucy Lind and Zoey Lind.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church, 916-6th St. E., Menomonie, Wisconsin. The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m., until the time of service at the church. Meal to be served after. Private burial at a later date. The service will be live streamed at www.olsonfuneralhome.com and will also be on the web for viewing afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to charities designated by the family in Bonnie’s honor.