Bonna Lee Pinneke

Bonna Lee Pinneke, 83, of Ames, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Morning Point Senior Living in Chattanooga, TN, in the presence and comfort of family. 

Bonna was born December 24, 1940, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, the daughter of John and Alta Finlayson. Bonna graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1959 and married Robert R Pinneke on March 2, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. 

Bonna completed degrees from Mercy School of Nursing, St. Francis, and Drake Universities. Working a lifetime of Nursing and administrative roles throughout central Iowa, she served many, from her time at Mary Greeley Medical Centers in Story County, IA, to young adults at State run training facilities, to advocating for care of seniors in State assisted living communities. After retirement, and along with Robert, the Pinnekes partnered with Memorial Lutheran Church on the campus of Iowa State University, teaching English to international students and regularly attending Friday International Suppers at the student center.

Outside her professional life, Bonna enjoyed baking, cooking, and showing her grandchildren how to sew. She also enjoyed numerous outdoor activities including downhill and water skiing, fly fishing, and playing golf and tennis, with friends and family. She also had a passion for boating and sailing, teaching small craft sailing for many years.

Bonna is survived by her children, Bradley (Kim Tibbets), Barbara (Bradford) Cooley and Blake (Kimberly Jones), six grandchildren, Amanda (Bryan) Laraia, Chelsea, Christian, Brenna (Logan) Carey, Sierra Cooley and Grant Cooley; and four great grandchildren, Hazel Jade Carey, Thomas Francis Laraia, Penelope Blake Laraia, and Evelyn Charlene Pinneke; brother David (Miriam) Finlayson, sister Audrey (Clair) Sansgard; many nieces, nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and a lifetime of other loving relatives and special friends.

Bonna was preceded in death by her lifelong husband, Robert R Pinneke; her parents, John, and Alta (Zenor) Finlayson; brothers, Roger, Don, and Stephen: sisters Arlis Tuttle, Jeanne Nye, Lois Elson, Miriam Boettcher, and two brothers in infancy, John Eldon, and Morris John.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, September 13, 2024, at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way, Ames Iowa 50014. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Memorial Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mark Heilman officiating.

Condolences may be expressed online at: https://www.companionfunerals.com/obituaries/bonna-pinneke