Bonnie M. Eggerss

Bonnie Mae Messerschmidt Eggerss was born on March 6, 1934, to Walter F. and Mabel A. (Krohn) Messerschmidt in Shelby County, Iowa. She grew up in Shelby, attended Shelby Consolidated School, and graduated with the Class of 1952, where she was honored with the Iowa Citizenship Award.

On January 7, 1953, Bonnie was united in marriage to Ronald Eggerss at the First Presbyterian Church in Shelby. Following Ronald’s return from service in Korea, the couple began farming together. They were blessed with three children: Kimberli Sue, Roger Wayne, and Pamela Rene’.

A lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Shelby, Bonnie dedicated her time and talents in many ways. She served as Moderator of Presbyterian Women, helped with countless funeral luncheons, led Junior Fellowship, and was Sunday School Secretary for 44 years. She also served as an Elder and was active in a fellowship circle known as “The Group.”

Bonnie was also proud of her 55 years as a member of the Shelby Women’s Legion Auxiliary. She faithfully served the Shelby-Tennant Alumni Association as reception chairperson for many years and never missed a banquet since her own graduation.

Beyond her service and community involvement, Bonnie enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities. She created ceramics for over 30 years, bowled with Ronald in a mixed league, golfed for a time, tended her garden, sent thoughtful cards, and read often. She loved watching college basketball and especially cherished the Christmas season. After her father’s passing, she also carried on his legacy by becoming “The Rawleigh Man.”

Bonnie entered into rest on September 18, 2025, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of 91 years, six months and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Paul and Helen (Burmeister) Eggerss; her beloved husband, Ronald; three brothers, Marvin, Dale, and Allen Messerschmidt; brothers-in-law, Paul and Ralph Eggerss, Tom Rihner, and Robert Thoms; and sisters-in-law, Nadine Eggerss and Joni Eggerss.

She is survived by her children, Kimberli (Gerald) Buck of Shelby, Roger Eggerss of Shelby, and Pamela (Brian) Christensen of Bridgewater, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Dixie Messerschmidt of Marion, Kay Messerschmidt of Cedar Falls, Catherine Thoms of Blair, Nebraska, and Joyce Rihner of Shelby; as well as several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Shelby. Burial will be held in the Shelby Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Shelby Fire Department in Bonnie’s memory.