Bonnie E. Barzler Huibregtse 1941-2016
Bonnie E. Huibregtse, 74, of Battle Creek, went to be with her Lord and Savior January 8, 2016. Bonnie was born October 22, 1941 in Detroit to Richard and Eleanor (Seamans) Barzler. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She worked for both the former Leila and Community Hospitals. For the majority of her nursing career, she worked as a visiting nurse for the Visiting Nurse Service (later Lifespan). Bonnie married the love of her life, Wesley Huibregtse, on August 15, 1964. The couple was blessed with 51 years of marriage. Bonnie enjoyed collecting antiques and figurines, flea marketing, home remodeling, and traveling across North America. She also took an extended trip to Europe. She was a member of Covenant Hope Church (formerly Battle Creek Christian Reformed Church) for over 50 years. Bonnie loved her nursing career, retiring at age 72, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family. She was a loving caregiver to her mother, Eleanor. In her retirement years, she enjoyed volunteering her time at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and at the Bibles for Missions Thrift Center. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Wesley; three children: Scott Huibregtse; David (Lorie) Huibregtse, grandchild Tony Hernandez; and Chris (Jim) Sabatowski, grandchildren Matthew, Andrew and Nate Sabatowski; her mother, Eleanor Barzler Weber; four siblings: Ann (Louis) Klauder, Mary (Robert) Peregoy, Martha (Thomas) Schweitzer, and James (Laura) Barzler; several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Richard. As per Bonnie's request, she will be donated to the University of Michigan Anatomical Donation Program. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in memory of Bonnie are asked to consider the Community and Volunteer Service program at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, or the Haven of Rest. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Michael G. Reissing
... very sad for wes, bonnie's mom, kids, grandkids, and siblings. this lady was the best of the best in every respect. the Lord scored a #1 draft pick. bonnie ellen's loved ones lost a precious soul... just for the time being. r.I.p. bonnie. hang tough, wes.George Melling
I am stunned! Bonnie and I began corresponding aboput eight months ago by email through the private Redford website, exchanging more than forty emails. It all began when she complimented me on my paintings that I had put on my profile. We never dated in H.S., but each thought the other was a classy person. We ended up discussing our lives growing up, and now. She was extremely impressive, always serving others. In December she told me she was applying to be a Hospice volunteer.
Bonnie never mentioned that she was ill, although she did have an autoimmune disease that she had under control, and some possible concerns on her skin. But she also told me that she was lacking energy, (but aren't we all). So if she died from some illness she never disclosed it to me.
She loved her family, spoke of her fun weekend with her daughter antiquing in Indiana, and told me about each of her grandchildren. She was so upbeat in her communications with me, and we enjoyed discussing many topics. Though I never got to see her, I will miss my friend. Bonnie, what a lovely person you were - I'm glad we got to know each other.
George Melling
Janet (Jan) Young (Jacobson)
Bonnie was always a special person in my life, beginning when her dad was my Sunday School teacher and it was a time to get to know her whole family at that time. We were at the same elementary school for 8th grade and then went on to RHS and then both were in nursing together at U of M. We drifted apart until the RHS 50th reunion where we re-connected and continued to keep in touch and both attended the School of Nursing's 50th reunion at U of M 2 1/2 years ago. I still am saddened at her sudden death. As I understand it she suffered a massive stroke on January 7th and died the evening of January 8th.
God knew what a special woman Bonnie was and wanted her to come home to Him. Its amazing that her mother outlived her!!! I'm sure her husband, children, and grandchildren are at a great loss and I pray for God's peace and comfort will enfold them all.
Pamela Kay Rea (Thompson)
I met Bonnie when she started attending Cooke School in seventh grade(I think). I remember thinking how lovely she was and I came to know that she was a beautiful woman inside and out. It does not surprise me that she chose nursing as she was always giving of herself for others. I never ever heard her say an unkind thing about others and I only heard others compliment her. My heart goes out to her family who will miss her so much; God Bless all of you. and to Bonnie I say you have now celebrated your heavenly birthday and Heaven is celebrating your arrival with open arms. Thanks for being the wonderful person you are and I look forward to seeing you again one day.
Judy Mohr (Brooks)
Dearest Bonnie.
We had lots of fun years ago. You left us so suddenly. I know your family is missing your bright sunny personality.
God Bless your family and know that our memories are precious and loving.
Marilyn Colette Mannisto
I am still speechless after hearing of Bonnie's passing. I owed her a letter and had just the night before getting the news, looked up her sister Anne's fairly new married name online so I could ask about her as well as getting some more updates on the rest of Bonnie's family.
I met Bonnie on the Detroit public transportation bus on Grand River as we were both heading home after school one day. We became fast friends from then on due to our mutual earnest work in progress regarding our spiritual faith but also because of our ability to talk comfortably about the usual fun things in the natural life of two teenage girls. Later, after I moved out of state to Colorado & California and she became a newly wed, we just lost touch. Then upon reading one another's profile in the Redford reunion website, we reconnected as if we had never missed a beat. For this I am so grateful even if I had hoped for a continuing friendship and a winter visit from Bonnie & Wes here in Phoenix which she and I had occasionally talked about. Thank God for eternal life when we can meet again.