Bonnie Schmitz

Bonnie Rae (Stark) Schmitz was born on August 3, 1953, the daughter of Ewald and Irene (Schwenn) Stark in Denison, Iowa. She was baptized and later confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. Bonnie received her education from Ar-We-Va Schools, graduating with the class of 1971. Following high school, she worked for a bank in Des Moines and later as a bookkeeper for several businesses, including the Con Agra popcorn plant in Wall Lake. In 1988, Bonnie began her career as the city clerk for Westside, a position she held until her retirement in 2018. From 2011 to 2018, she also worked with Ar-We-Va Schools, overseeing the after-school program for younger children.

On April 27, 1974, Bonnie married Steven Schmitz, son of Clair and Leona (Tigges) Schmitz, at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. They were blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Sarah, and made their home in Westside.

Bonnie was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia, where she was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was very active in her community and served for many years on the park board. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Bonnie loved working outdoors and was especially proud of her many flower beds. She enjoyed taking long walks and often walked three to four miles several times a week. Some of her favorite times were spent when her grandchildren came to visit and stay overnight. And of course, no night at grandma’s house was complete without an R.B.F. (root beer float). Even as her dementia progressed, a hug from one of her grandchildren could always bring a smile to her face.

Bonnie passed away, surrounded by family, at her home in Westside on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the age of 73 years and 15 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law; siblings: Larry “Sod” Stark, Donald Stark and Darlene Stark; brothers-in-law, Denny Kamphoff and Duane Schmitz.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Steve Schmitz of Westside; son, Jeffrey Schmitz (Heather Rivera) of Ankeny; daughter, Sarah (Tom) Hiler of Rockwell City; grandchildren: Braydon, Cameron and Nolan Schmitz, Sydney, Calvin, Jimmy and Henry Hiler; sisters: Marilyn Johnson and Diana (Doug) Long; siblings-in-law: Jackie Stark, Peg Schmitz (Jo Chinburg), Tim Schmitz, Dale (Nancy) Schmitz, Sandy Kamphoff, Mary (Oran) Kohorst, Tom (Ann) Schmitz and Janet (Loren) Krueger; many nieces and nephews; and many other family member and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Westside. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church in Arcadia or Alzheimer’s Association.