Mrs. Bonnie Lou Nielsen Winship, 95, of Galesburg, Illinois died 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at her home in The Kensington Assisted Living facility, Galesburg.
She was born April 21, 1928, to Floyd and Louise (Carlson) Brissey in Galesburg. She married Robert E. “Bob” Nielsen, November 8, 1946, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death September 24, 2000, after over 50 years of marriage. She later married Keith Winship, on December 19, 2001, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on June 1, 2007.
She is survived by a son David (and the late Sarah) Nielsen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, daughter Rebecca Nielsen of West Salem, Ohio, a daughter-in-law, Laura Nielsen of Erie Pennsylvania and her devoted sister, Marty (and the late Ed) White of Galesburg. Grandchildren: Rob (and Beth) Nielsen, Emma (and David) McIe, Glen (and Audrey Litten) Crabtree, Brittany, Allison, Kristen and Samantha Nielsen, and Nicholas, Robert, and Linnea Nielsen. Great Grandchildren: Christopher and Abigale Nielsen, and David and Luke McIe, and several nieces and nephews. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, her youngest son James Nielsen, and a brother Ronald Brissey.
Bonnie grew up in Galesburg, married her husband Robert and moved with him as he pursued his career with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. They moved back to Galesburg after he retired. She was a stay-at home Mom until her youngest son Jim was in school and then she worked for the Wadsworth City School System and later in Galesburg at the Chamber of Commerce. She was a devoted Wife and Mother and always made sure her family was taken care of. Bonnie was extremely close to her family, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She enjoyed music, the Big Band sound and Eddie Arnold were among her favorites. She also enjoyed trying her luck at the Jumer’s Casino, playing Bingo, and was known to enjoy a Margarita from time to time.
Thank you to the staff at The Kensington where she resided for the past several years. Their love, care, and compassion to support her is deeply appreciated by all of her family. Also, thank you to OSF Hospice who supported her in the last days.
Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel at 1070 W. Fremont Street, Galesburg. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 E. Ferris Street, Galesburg, with Rev. Dr. Carrie Carns officiating. A burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Knox County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
