Born in Granite City, IL on November 15, 1942, to parents – James and Emma (Gale) Vasquez, she passed into the Lord’s hands on January 7, 2022, at the New Athens Home for the Aged with her son by her side.  She had reached the age of 79 years 1 month 23 days.

After High School in Marissa, she worked at the shoe factory in New Athens and was a seamstress for Singer for a while.  But when she started waitressing, she found her true passion for serving people.  She worked at Augustine’s Restaurant in Belleville, then managed the Breakfast Cafe` at the Executive Inn.  After that, she worked for the Original Springs restaurant in Okawville.  In 1983 she opened her own restaurant in New Athens called Bonnie’s Good Food and ran that until 1990.  She then moved on to waitress at Fischer’s Restaurant in Belleville for 9 years.  Changing things up later in life, she had the opportunity to join the Laborer’s Local #110 in St. Louis and worked for Castle Contracting for 7 years before retiring.  But retirement was not for her, and she went back to work for her niece, Jaime at the Bullpen in New Athens before really retiring in 2015 to spend more time with her grandson and sisters.

“Bonnie was the most loving, giving woman on earth.  She took care of her entire family – always putting others before herself and always had a smile to give.  She worked hard all her life and will always be in our hearts.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson – John Kammermeyer, a sister – Shirley Cook, a brother-in-law – John Bahan and an infant sister – Marilyn.

Bonnie is survived by her son – Kevin (Dawn) Kammermeyer and grandson – Kristian Kammermeyer, all of Lenzburg, IL, brothers – Dennis (Donna) Vasquez of Columbia, IL, James Jr. (Lucy) Vasquez and Dale (Karen) Vasquez, both of Lenzburg, IL, sisters – Margie Bahan of Smithton, IL, Linda Sue (John) Smith of Ava, IL, Phyllis (Pat) Patterton of Farmington, IL, Jackie (Rick Mueth) Weihe of Smithton, IL and Rose Marie (Curt) Stewart of Marissa, IL.  She had numerous nieces and nephews that all loved their Aunt Bonnie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the New Athens Home for the Aged or Vitas Hospice Care. Both have given extraordinary care and compassion for the time she was there.

Visitation:  visiting hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday January 14, 2022, and again from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday January 15, 2022, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL.   Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday evening at the church.

Funeral:  Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday January 15, 2022, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL with Fr. Von Deeke officiating.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Lori A Schneider says:

   01/24/2022 at 6:43 pm

   Sincerest condolences to the Kammermeyer/Vasquez family.
   Lori A Mavers Schneider

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2. Diane Boschert says:

   01/14/2022 at 5:44 pm

   Sympathy to all the family. Bonnie was a very special woman❤️She will be remembered by many! “A beautiful life that came to an end, she died as she lived everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved and will never forget.” Diane Jany Boschert

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3. Roni Frech says:

   01/13/2022 at 8:13 am

   Kevin & family, so sorry for your loss, Bonnie was a wonderful lady & friend. I will always remember the time I spent with her doing her hair & at her restaurant.

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4. Kevin Thomas says:

   01/10/2022 at 7:44 pm

   It’s terrible to hear about the loss of your mother and I express my sincere sympathy. Your mom will always be remembered as having a very kind heart.

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5. Jim Brown says:

   01/10/2022 at 5:36 pm

   Growing up in the presence of Bonnie was an absolute stroke of good fortune. She was always witty, friendly, and considerate. She always made sure that everybody was taken care of and became a role model on how to be an adult. Her generosity and strength was unique as was she! I have so many good youthful memories that leave me feeling blessed to have known Bonnie (and Kevin), even if it was just for a little while.

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6. Nancy Worthen-Vaughn says:

   01/10/2022 at 2:21 pm

   My sincere sympathy to my cousins and families. Our Mothers are sisters and our two families were always close. I treasure the many wonderful memories of our times together. Some of my favorites were always visiting their farm where I rode a horse for the first time and it was Bonnie who taught me how to swim in their lake. Having those fun filled childhood memories is something I will always cherish. I will miss Bonnie her cheerful disposition and ready smile.

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7. Rob & Charlotte Shaw says:

   01/10/2022 at 9:08 am

   Our sincerest sympathy to the Vazques family and Bonnie’s family. She was such a sweet lady and had time to say hello when she met you. RIP Bonnie 💐

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8. Sandra Sparling says:

   01/10/2022 at 7:37 am

   I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing. She truly was a remarkable person. I loved her. Prayers for peace and comfort for Kevin and the whole family

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9. Patrick and Joyce Gaa says:

   01/09/2022 at 11:04 pm

   Patrick and I send our sincere condolences to the Vasques family, Bonnie’s son and grandson.

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10. Pamela Sun Hargan says:

    01/09/2022 at 7:08 pm

    To the Vasquez family and Bonnie’s son and grandson:
    I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing. She was always such a nice person and always spoke to us when we saw her. She will be greeted into the loving arms of Jesus and will once again be able to walk and talk and enjoy those who have passed before her. Thoughts and prayers to all.
    Myron and Pamela Hargan

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11. Ron & Tonia Wolff says:

    01/09/2022 at 6:48 pm

    Kevin, Dawn, Kristian & Family,

    Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers.

    Love you.

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12. Jane jetter says:

    01/09/2022 at 6:30 pm

    My deepest sympathy to Bonnie’s family, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

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13. Lori (Kane) Polczynski says:

    01/09/2022 at 6:21 pm

    So sorry for your loss Kevin. I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

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14. Patricia Easton says:

    01/09/2022 at 5:18 pm

    My condolences to the family of Bonnie , prayers and sympathy our being sent.

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15. Butch and Rosann Amann says:

    01/09/2022 at 5:15 pm

    Sincere sympathy and prayers to Bonnie’s family especially Kevin. Not only a great loss for her family, but also a great loss for her many friends,

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    • Stan and Bev Lewis says:

      01/09/2022 at 6:54 pm

      Went to school with Bonnie I was in Margies class . She was always so nice and kind to everyone . Thinking of you Margie and everyone.from Bev Harriman Lewis and Stan Lewis

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16. Connie Calvert Cominsky says:

    01/09/2022 at 5:05 pm

    Linda and family – I’m so sorry for your loss. Bonnie was special. I never saw her without a smile on her face.

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17. Valerie Fulton Metcalf says:

    01/09/2022 at 4:56 pm

    So sorry for your loss Kavin. I will keep you in my prayers.

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    • Leslie Crowe Myers says:

      01/09/2022 at 7:00 pm

      Sending prayers of love & comfort for you all Kevin. So sorry for your loss

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18. Faith Clark says:

    01/09/2022 at 4:42 pm

    So blessed to have had her in my life, she will always have a special place in my heart.

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