Bonnie Gesling

Bonnie Lou (Finke) Gesling, 96, of Moline, Illinois, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Lexington Landing Assisted Living in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Services are at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at Faith United Methodist Church in St. Anthony, Minnesota.

Graveside services and burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorials may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church, Moline, or The Richard and Bonnie Gesling Endowed Scholarship at Augustana College.

Born in rural Crawfordsville to Lafe and Nellie (Ross) Finke on June 7, 1929, she married Richard Gesling on Aug. 28, 1949. During their 70 years of marriage, they enjoyed countless happy times camping out west, spending time with family and friends, watching ballgames (especially at Augustana College), and participating in their United Methodist Church.

Bonnie happily embraced the role of homemaker, bringing her energy and talents to gardening and preserving foods, sewing clothing, and raising four children. When they grew older, she widened her activities, winning many awards as part of the Color Shooters Camera Club, biking weekly, hiking, and hosting dinners for a wide circle of friends.

She returned to the workforce in a variety of secretarial positions, ending with many happy years in the Athletic Department at Augustana College. While her work was always excellent, she was also noted for bringing in pies and other treats. At Christmas, she baked dozens of cinnamon rings to share with friends and neighbors. She was known for her friendly smile, perseverance, and positive attitude.

Bonnie is survived by her son, Robert (Carrie) of Blue Grass; daughters Linda (Steven Ozanne) of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, Diane (Bernard Bober) of Lancaster, Wisconsin, and Nancy (Robert Bell) of Port Orford, Oregon; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.