March 17, 1974 – Nov. 21, 2024
Bonnie L. Raffel, 68, of Kewanna, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away peacefully. This followed a brave and valiant battle for 45 years with multiple sclerosis.
A St. Patrick's Day baby, Bonnie Lou Matzat was born on March 17, 1956. She was the cherished daughter of Henry L. and Olga A. Redweik Matzat. In May 1974, Bonnie graduated from Culver Community High School. During her high school years as an accomplished pianist and organist, Bonnie played for church services at Culver's Trinity Lutheran Church. In pursuit of a life dream, Bonnie moved to West Lafayette to pursue studies on dietary science. She graduated from Purdue University in 1978 with a BS in dietetics and a minor in hotel and restaurant management.
On Aug. 26, 1978, Bonnie Lou married the love of her life, who soon became her best friend, Mr. Edward C. Raffel, at the Culver Academies Chapel with over 800 guests that witnessed their ceremony. They shared over 46 years of life's adventures. From their union came two wonderful children, Hollee and Ross. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three grandchildren.
Embarking on her career as a registered dietician, Bonnie oversaw all dietary operations at Woodlawn Hospital for many years. Later she served long-term care giant Beverly Enterprises, with facilities in more than 40 states. Bonnie concluded her career at Holy Cross in South Bend as director of nutrition and also did many consultations privately. She retired in 1999.
Gifted with her hands and creativity, Bonnie was accomplished as a seamstress, needlepoint and crocheting. Her quilting was amazing, and the MS did not stop her progress as she improvised by placing the foot pedal on the tabletop and continued to pursue the craft with great style, turning out heirloom quality gifts for her family and special friends.
From her kitchen command post, Bonnie professionally created custom cakes for weddings, anniversary, graduations and special birthdays. She made the cake for her wedding and her children's wedding cakes too. What topped these cakes was her icing, with her top-secret recipe.
Beautiful flowers were planted by Bonnie to enhance the landscape of her home with bright, vibrant colors. She and Ed annually planted a large garden that included big pumpkins. They would freeze and can the bountiful harvest for winter's use. With her close supervision, Ed learned the art of making numerous delicious meals. In the later years, she was the appointed supervisor of many important projects.
Left to cherish Bonnie's memory are her husband Ed at home; her children Hollee Olinger (Roger), of Rochester, Ross Raffel (Lauren), of Kewanna; three grandchildren, Graysin Olinger, Shelbee Lou Olinger and Lakota Raffel; and her canine companion Remi, the mannerly tan and black German Shepherd.
Preceding Bonnie in death are her parents, many felines and her treasured canines Sammy and Chuck – the loyal Rottie who followed her around like her shadow.
A celebration of the life of Bonnie Lou Raffel is at noon Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Ch. Ray Holman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Bruce Lake Cemetery.
A time for the visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Preferred memorials may be made in Bonnie's name to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
