Bonnie B. Valkner

Bonnie Belle Valkner, age 90 of Climax, died peacefully at her home on August 27, 2024. She was born on January 26, 1934, in Calhoun County, Michigan, the oldest daughter of Charles O. and Pauline I. (Hoskins) Schneider. Bonnie was a lifelong resident of Climax, graduating from Climax High School in 1952. On June 21, 1952, she married Duane K. Valkner, who preceded her in 2008. Bonnie retired from First National Bank/First of America Bank/PNC Bank after 33 years of service.

Bonnie was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and American Legion Post 464 Auxiliary. She and Duane were dedicated supporters of athletic programs at Climax-Scotts Community Schools, as well as 4-H programs. Every Thursday, a group of friends gathered informally at Bonnie’s home to knit. Fondly dubbed the “Knit Wits”, the group donated several hundred handmade hats to local school children each year, as well as baby blankets, prayer shawls and other items. Bonnie was a longtime member of MSUE Climax Homemakers Extension, serving as treasurer for many years. She was also a member of the Climax United Methodist Church.

Her family includes her daughters: Brigette (Larry) Leach, Karen (Don) Anderson, and Cynthia (Lyle) Carlson; her grandchildren: Kelly L. Leach, Kevin C. Leach, Courtney D. Carlson, and Joshua A. (Ashley) Carlson; her great-grandchildren: Natalie Leach, Lane Leach, Izabel Salyer, Bode Salyer, and Asher Carlson; her sisters: Thelma Taylor, Joyce Harrison, Leila “Tootie” (Roger) Knowles; her brother-in-law Paul Dean; one aunt Barbara Holcomb, many cousins and several nieces and nephews.

Join her family for a heartfelt celebration, honoring and remembering Bonnie B Valkner, A buffet style meal and refreshments will be served on Thursday September 19, 2024, from 4-7 PM, at Avalon Farms, 14302 E OP Ave, Climax, MI.

Donations in memory of Bonnie may be made to the Climax Fire and Rescue Association or the Climax-Scotts Athletics Programs. Please visit Bonnie’s personalized webpage for directions, online guestbook, or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com