Bonnie Benson

Bonnie Benson, 81 of Cortland, passed away on April 29, 2025. Bonnie was born October 31, 1943, in DeKalb, the daughter of Bernard 'Doug' and Edith Donnelly.  She was married to her husband, Ken Benson, for almost 59 years and had three children, Cliff, Chuck, and Teresa (TC).

Bonnie graduated from St. Mary elementary school in DeKalb and then attended Our Lady of Angels Academy in Clinton, Iowa for high school.  She also graduated from Kishwaukee community college with a two-year degree in business management.

Having been a lifelong resident in the DeKalb area, Bonnie experienced various employment opportunities at many recognized local institutions including the DeKalb School District, DeKalb Ag Research, First National Bank, and finishing her career at NIU in the Bursar's Office in 2012. In addition, she assisted Ken in managing his lawn care business for almost 20 years.

It is easy to see based on her involvement as PTA president, Cub Scout Den Mother, and FFA Advisory Board Secretary, that she loved investing and being surrounded by children. She had that same love and commitment towards her church at Saint Mary's, where she served as Parish Council Secretary, Eucharistic Minister, CCD Teacher, and a Lector.

But mostly, she will be remembered as someone who was always willing to listen, committed to her family, and generous with her heart.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Ken, her children and their spouses  Cliff and Susan Benson, Chuck and Janice Benson, and Teresa (TC) and Matthew Bush, siblings, Tom (Dolores) Donnelly, and Mike (Lori) Donnelly, grandchildren Luke (Kelsey) Benson, Sophie (Alex) Benson, Brooke Benson, and Blake Benson, great grandchildren Beckham and Addilyn, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Waiting to greet her in her passing will be her parents, her sister Dolores 'Dee' (Bob) Sheridan, and her grandchildren Wayne, Serenity, Casey and Angel.

Bonnie's visitation will be on Monday, May 5th from 4 to 7 PM at Finch Funeral Home with a wake service at 6:45pm. There will be an additional visitation from 10:00am to 10:30am at St. Mary's Catholic Church prior to the funeral service. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 6th at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in DeKalb. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Please join us for a celebration of Bonnie's life. Memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.