Sharlene Kay Bonnema, 72, of Oskaloosa, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House.
Shar was born September 28, 1952, in Sioux Center, Iowa, the daughter of Richard G. and Alma (Huenink) Bonnema. She grew up on the family farm near Lebanon, Iowa, where she especially loved working alongside her dad. She attended school in Lebanon through the eighth grade and graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa, with the Class of 1970.
Shar continued her education at Stewart’s School of Hairstyling in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After graduating, she moved to Pella and later to Sioux Center, where she opened her salon. In time, she pursued accounting at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, eventually working as an accountant for a radio station and a home health care agency. Along with her accounting work, she also cared for the agency’s clients, reflecting her compassion for others. In 2019, she moved to Oskaloosa to be closer to family.
Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of the Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Sioux City and, more recently, the St. Paul Congregational United Church of Christ in Oskaloosa.
Shar had many interests and talents. She enjoyed gardening and took special joy in arranging flowers for family weddings. She loved collecting art, exploring new foods, and traveling with friends and family. Memorable trips included visiting friends in Washington State and touring Mackinac Island in Michigan. Above all, she treasured her role as aunt and great-aunt, deeply cherishing time spent with her nieces, nephews, and their children. Being part of her family’s lives was her greatest joy.
Shar is survived by her sisters, Vicki (Wayne) De Jong of Oskaloosa and Arliss (Ken) Dokter of Spirit Lake; her nieces and nephews, Deb (Joel) Krikke of Bradenton, FL, Denise (Brian) Ver Meer of Pella, IA, Kate (Steve) Drost of Surrey, B.C., Rich (Michelle) De Jong of Lisle, IL, Laura De Jong of Oskaloosa, IA, Seth (Allison) Dokter of Gretna, NE, and Matt (Cara) Dokter of Hull, IA; her dear friend, Heather Harris of Kennewick, WA; and many great-nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Alma Bonnema.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Lebanon Christian Reformed Church Cemetery in Lebanon, Iowa, with Pastor Bob Drenton officiating.
