Bonita Louise Sokol

Bonnie Louise Sokol passed away peacefully on May 20^th 2024 surrounded by family at the age of 67 at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center. She was born on February 15^th, 1957 to Elmer and Beatrice Zelensky. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and many other loved ones.

Bonnie graduated from Neenah High School where she was a standout gymnast and swimmer. She then married her best friend, Steve Sokol, in March of 1977. Bonnie devoted her life to her three children as a stay at home Mom and was there for them day and night. During that time, she cared for many other children who she cherished as well. Bonnie loved to read. When she wasn’t busy taking care of her family, it was rare to find her without a book close by. She enjoyed the simple things in life like being outside and just looking out her kitchen window. If the windows were open during a nice fall Sunday afternoon, Bonnie’s voice could be heard as she cheered on the Packers, a fandom she sported all year long.

Bonnie loved her family more than anything and always put everyone else’s needs before her own. Just the thought of her four grandchildren filled her heart with joy. She also had a soft spot for animals. She spent much of her time at home with her beloved dog Ruby and previously, Penny and Brandy, not to mention the flocks of ducks and birds she fed in the yard.

Bonnie fought a disease called Scleroderma which is a rare auto immune disorder. During her years long fight, she never complained and never lost her positive attitude through multiple setbacks. She always had a bright outlook to get better so she could run around with her grandkids and go for a walk at Heckrodt Nature Preserve. Bonnie has been a supporter of St Jude Children’s  Research Hospital for 17 years. Please go to www.stjude.org/donatetoday and consider donating to St. Jude’s in Bonnie’s name. Also, please visit www.scleroderma.org to learn about the disease and how to raise awareness.

Bonnie is survived by her husband Steve, three sons and their spouses Hogan (Karen) Sokol, John (Kari) Sokol, and Andy (Sara) Sokol, and four grandchildren, Jack, Natalie, Stella, and Hudsyn. She is also survived by her 6 siblings Jim, Tom, Eileen, Sharon, John, Donny, their spouses, plus many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by countless friends and in-laws.

We would like to thank the many nurses, doctors, and staff that cared for Bonnie at Fresenius Kidney Care in Neenah, St Paul Elder Services, Theda Clark, and Oakridge Gardens. While she formed friendships with many staff members, Bonnie had a special bond with her nurse, Martha, at Oakridge Gardens. Our family thanks you all for the time, attention, and care you provided Bonnie during her time with you.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends to gather and share stories and laughter in Bonnie’s memory.