Bonnie J. Kemp, age 78, of Dubuque, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.  To celebrate Bonnie’s life, family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street.  Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Sunday at the funeral home, with Deacon David Roth officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Bonnie was born on September 19, 1947, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Art and Lucille “Babe” (Hooks) Ruer.

Bonnie graduated from high school, and shortly after married the love her life, Ronald Kemp.  The couple married at Nativity Church on September 25, 1965.  They had 2 wonderful daughters and traveled the world together until Ron sadly passed away on October 17, 2022.  Bonnie was an extremely devoted wife and mom.  She was very active in her community and was involved with several organizations.  She was a member of Nativity Church, Navy Club Auxiliary (Ship 67 Dubuque), Dubuque Womens Counsel of the Boys Club, Dubuque Association of the Blind and held various offices with Brownie and Girl Scouts.  Bonnie truly enjoyed volunteering her time and talents.  She was an avid bowler and Bingo player.  Family trips were always a favorite activity for Bonnie and Ron.  They loved cruising and trips that involved nature and history.  Being with her family brought Bonnie great joy.  They were her pride and joy and she always knew how to make everyone feel special.  She was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Bonnie’s memory include

2 daughters,
Connie (Kevin) Azinger, Pella, IA
and Kimberley (Mark) Merfeld, Peosta, IA;

6 grandchildren,
Abbey (Eric) Pollard, Lacey (Eric) Taylor, Lakyn Merfeld, Bayleigh Merfeld, Alexa Azinger and Levi Azinger;

6 great-grandchildren,
Adyson, Quinten, Avary and William Pollard and Lane and Navy Taylor;

her siblings,
Judy (Wayne) Botsford, Dubuque, IA,
Nancy Thompson, Hurricane, UT,
Debbie (Mark) Mayne, Davenport, IA
and Ronnie (JoAnn) Olinger, Asbury, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald Kemp; 2 brothers, Jack Olinger and Tom (Mary) Olinger; and a brother-in-law, Bryan Thompson.

Bonnie’s family would like to thank the Emergency Room, the ICU doctors, especially Dr. Sriram Iyer, MD and Dr. Logan Elongavan, MD, the nurses and staff, as well as the Hospice nurses at Waukesha Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care of Bonnie and her family.

 In lieu of flowers, cards and memorials in Bonnie’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Bonnie Kemp Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com