Bonnie Lu Linman

Bonnie Lu Linman

1931 – 2026

ODEBOLT - Bonnie L. Linman, 94, of Odebolt, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the Odebolt Specialty Care of Odebolt.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt. Rev. Ken Miller will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt.

A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the United Methodist Church of Odebolt.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com 

Bonnie Lu Linman, 94, passed away peacefully after a long and full life marked by devotion to family, a love of teaching, and a gift for making others feel welcome. Born May 6, 1931, in Odebolt, Bonnie entered the world as a twin alongside her beloved sister, Donna—a bond that remained unbroken throughout her life. She also was very close to her brother Gordon Haefner.

Growing up, she had several childhood memories of living in Odebolt, on a farm in Dallas County, Woodward and a farm near Arthur before graduating from Odebolt High School in 1948. Bonnie attended Wayne State College for two years and earned her degree from Morningside College.

Bonnie married Roger Linman in 1952 at the Odebolt Methodist Church, beginning a partnership rooted in love, learning, and adventure. She started her teaching career in a one-room country school in Ida County before continuing in several other locations. Eventually, Bonnie and Roger moved to Wisconsin, where they both taught in the Milwaukee Public Schools—an opportunity made possible only because Iowa at the time did not allow married couples to work in the same school district. Their shared dedication to education shaped countless young lives.

Bonnie had a natural gift for hospitality. She delighted in having company and was happiest when her homes were filled during the holidays with laughter and conversation. Hearing the splash of friends and family enjoying her backyard pool in Menomonee Falls, WI, was always a joy for her. She embraced life with enthusiasm, whether she was traveling the world, loving on her cats, shopping, or cruising around in her iconic yellow Cadillac before she stopped driving.

For the past eight years, Bonnie lived with her sister Donna, sharing daily life, family gatherings, and countless activities. Surrounded by nieces and nephews who adored her, Bonnie found joy in being part of their lives—each one like a grandchild to her.

Bonnie will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, and her spirited personality. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the students she inspired, and the many people whose lives were brightened simply by knowing her.

She is survived by her siblings: twin sister Donna Simonson of Odebolt, and Gordon Haefner of Arthur; along with several nieces and nephews.  

Preceded in death by husband Roger Linman; parents Lewis & Mabyl (West) Haefner; in-laws Eldon & Ruth Linman; brothers-in-law Rollin Linman and Duane Simonson; sister-in-law Jeannette Haefner; niece Danel Simonson; and nephew Tom Schroeder.