Bonnie Jean (Gano) Schwoch, age 79, of Merrill, Wisconsin died unexpectedly on August 31, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Bonnie was born in Merrill on March 10, 1945 to Willard and Florence (Tipton) Gano. A Merrill area resident all her life, she married the love of her life, Dewey Schwoch, on May 7, 1976, and farmed with him in the Town of Pine River.
Bonnie also ran Dairyland Storage for many years, a business she and Dewey owned along with other rental properties in Merrill. She worked as a Beautician for 15 years and continued to work on hair within months of her passing. Bonnie had a heart for young people and desired to become a treatment foster parent. Together, she and Dewey cared for many teenage boys, several of whom have kept in touch over the years. Bonnie came to know Jesus in her 30’s and continually grew in her faith and love for Jesus all her life. Bonnie was never shy about sharing her walk of faith. Bonnie attended Hillside Church in Merrill and was passionate about leading people to Jesus. She has been a second mother, grandmother, and mentor to so many over the years.
Bonnie always had a sparkle in her eye, whether it was finding a fun new coffee shop, trying out a new recipe, finding a gem of a deal at a rummage sale, firing up her wood cookstove, or just spending time with family. Bonnie enthusiastically embraced life and all its God given gifts. Bonnie was an avid gardener and berry picker. She loved canning her vegetables and picking her blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and apples. She took great pride in transforming them into jellies, juices, and other delicious concoctions. She always said that picking her berries brought her right back to her childhood.
Bonnie loved to travel with Dewey. Later in life, she and Dewey spent time in Florida each year until they decided to buy a second home in Arizona. For the past seven years they enjoyed spending the cold winter months in Arizona.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Dewey Schwoch of Merrill; children Jessica (Paxton) Larsen of Waukesha, Tashia Schwoch of Wausau, Meredith (John) Heldt of Merrill and Kevin Moritz of Cookville TN; grandchildren Timothy Lemke, Steven Lemke, Cody Schwoch, Malikae Gehrke, Marguerite Moritz, Brielle Larsen, Brynlee Larsen, Mason Heldt, Hunter Heldt and Grace Heldt. She is also survived by 8 wonderful great grandchildren.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents, Willard Gano and Florence Carol; her brother Allen Gano; her daughter Betsy Yates; her granddaughter Melissa Lemke. A Visitation and Celebration of Life will take place on October 19, 2024, at Hillside Church, 1501 Pier St, Merrill, WI 54452. The visitation will occur from 9am to 11am directly followed by a service celebrating this amazing woman’s life.
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