Bonita Ellen (Runge) Cizek was born April 26, 1928 on the family farm West of Sidney, NE. She was the youngest of 10 children born to Bismark and Josephine Ellen (Sager) Runge. Bonnie had 8 older brothers: George, Walter, Ralph, Francis, Lester, Vernon, Clifford, and Glen; and one older sister, Doris. Her brother Glen joked with her that she was expensive – because the doctor’s bill for her delivery was the astronomical sum of $25.00.
Her nine siblings provided Bonnie with a total of 9 nieces: Judy Rothenberger, Darlene Runge-House, Doris Jensen, Nancy Eddy, Patricia Langley, Jolene Schmitt, Mary Helms, Georgia Butterfield, and Virginia Karimi; 7 nephews: Gary Runge Sr., Ralph Runge Jr., Bill Runge, Robert Runge, Wayne Runge, Charles Runge, and Alan Runge; and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Following graduation from Sidney High School, Bonnie began her life as a career woman, working at O.P. Skaggs Grocery, The Co-Op, and later Safeway. She met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Cizek in Sidney. They both eventually moved to Denver, where they married and worked in the grocery industry – he for King Soopers, and she for Safeway. During the week they would work their jobs in Denver, then travel to Nebraska to work at their farm North of Potter, NE.
After a long, full career with Safeway, Bonnie retired to spend time with her husband, enjoy her garden and flowers, and make memories with family and her many friends. For several years in a row Bonnie was recognized by the City of Northglenn for having one of the most beautiful yards in the city. Bonnie also took up tole painting and painted many beautiful and personal gifts for family and friends.
Bonnie was a member of the Northglenn Senior Organization, serving on the birthday and hospitality committees, participating in their bake sales, and volunteering as needed for their many fun functions. Fellow NSO member, Lillian Erbes, partnered with Bonnie at shuffle board and the duo won several awards. Lillian still has their ribbons!
Bonnie loved the Lord, her family, friends, and people in general. Her house was a hub-bub of activity, and everyone was welcome. She was a steadfast friend and gracious hostess to the Bible Study and Sunday school groups from Northglenn Christian Church. When it became difficult for Bonnie to get out of the house, she entertained these groups in her home. They enjoyed her home and hospitality, and she in turn enjoyed their company.
In 2012 Bonnie made the decision to sell her lovely home on Monterey Circle and move to Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge, near 112th and Federal. Here she continued to host the Bible Study Group, using Keystone’s Activity Room for the bi-monthly function. Once again, everyone was welcome and she was pleased that several of the other seniors at Keystone felt comfortable enough to join the group.
Everyone who knew Bonnie at Keystone loved her. She quickly became a favorite with the staff, was interested in the lives of others, and often engaged staff and fellow seniors in conversations to make them feel comfortable.
When it became obvious Bonnie would not be blessed with physical healing in this life, she became an inspiration and example to others with her choice to wait upon the Lord to call her Home. Near the end of her earthly life, she received competent, considerate care from the Visiting Nurse Association and TRU Community Care Hospice. The family is forever grateful for the tender, loving care TRU Hospice provided during those last days as Bonnie made her final journey from this life to Eternity.
In his perfect time, God called Bonnie Home on July 5th, 2013.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Bismark and Josephine Runge; Brothers: George, Walter, Ralph, Francis, Lester, Vernon, Clifford, and Glen Runge; Sister Doris (Runge) Butterfield, and nephews: Ralph Runge Jr., and Gary Runge Sr.
Bonnie is survived by sisters-in-law: Phyllis Runge, Elinor Runge, and Betty Grothe; brothers-in-law: Francis Butterfield and Terry Cizek; 14 nieces and nephews, many great, and great-great nieces and nephews, special friends: Camille and Tom Butler, Nona and Lyle Troutman, Ev Yurk, Janice and Dan Waggoner, Carolee Pulis, Alice Randel, Arleen Austin, Lillian Erbes, other extended family and many friends.Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, July 10th in the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service LLC is in charge of local arrangements.