Bonita Ann Nadeau

Bonita (Dubbe) Nadeau, known to everyone as "Bonnie" and to many as "The Bon," passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, in hospice at her current home, St. John's on the Lake, in Milwaukee, surrounded by her family who adores her. She was 89.

Bonnie was born to Clarence and Myrtle "Mickey" Dubbe on March 9, 1936, in Brookings, South Dakota. She moved with her family to Sioux Falls, where she was a student at Washington High School and a member of the pep club. She attended Hamline University and returned to Sioux Falls to work in the office of Hormel. While working there, she was introduced to the love of her life, Joseph "Joe" Nadeau III, who took her to a Louis Armstrong concert for their first date.

Bonnie and Joe married and had three children. They moved across the Midwest before settling in Wisconsin, gardened, loved a good swap meet, created beautiful homes and hosted many family reunions. Bonnie spent much of her working career at ManpowerGroup, and upon retirement, remained in Erin, Wisconsin, except when visiting grandchildren around the world, until moving to St. John's.

Bonnie is survived by her children: Joseph Nadeau IV (Sandy), Lisa Girani (John) and Susan Nadeau; grandchildren: Carey Nadeau, Elise (Girani) Luch, Joey Girani, Alaina Girani, Marco Bustamante Nadeau, Nina Bustamante Nadeau and Pablo Bustamante Nadeau; five great grandchildren: Benicio, Johnny, Mikey, Peter and Katarina; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by Joe in 1996 -- her love for him never waned. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Darvel Dubbe; and her beloved grandson, Tommy Girani.

Bonnie was known for her sincere kindness to everyone and especially to animals, her quick wit and her gift of making friends new and old feel loved and welcomed.

There will be a memorial service in the Chapel of St. John's on the Lake, on Wednesday, May 21, at 1:00 pm. Following the service, the family will hold a reception with light refreshments in the North Cultural Arts Center at St. John’s. A burial next to Joe's grave in Kansas will be held later in summer.

We extend our sincere thanks to the entire staff at St. John's for the love and care you gave our mom. Bonnie loved being with you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local humane society in Bonnie's name, and honor her by doing something kind for someone (furry or otherwise).