G. Bonnie Tessendorf, 82, of Platte Center, Nebraska, died Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Brookestone Acres in Columbus.

There will be a public visitation on Monday, October 28, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home.  Private family burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Platte Center Fire & Rescue or the donor's choice.

Genevieve B. "Bonnie" Tessendorf was born August 27, 1942, in rural Platte County, Nebraska, to Jerome and Odilia (Mausbach) Macken.  She attended Platte County Grade School, graduated from Platte Center High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics.

On March 29, 1964, Bonnie was united in marriage to Gary Tessendorf at Grace Lutheran Church in Platte Center.  Bonnie taught school in Leigh and Platte Center before starting her family.  After Wendy and Ryan were born, Bonnie became Gary's right-hand-helper on the farm.  Whatever needed to be done on the farm, Bonnie was able to do or help with.  She was not afraid of work.

Bonnie was active in her childrens' activities.  She was a 4-H leader, a baking judge at the Platte County Fair, election volunteer, a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a philanthropic sorority, and an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.  Bonnie seldom missed any of her grandchildren's sporting events, dance recitals, cattle shows, or church programs.  She was an avid Husker fan.  Bonnie loved hosting family gatherings, and they will always remember her making her Christmas cookies.

Bonnie is survived by:
Daughter – Wendy (Kevin) Matthews of Bemidji, MN
Grandchildren – Jessie (William) Bryant of Roseau, MN; Christopher (Michelle) Matthews of Plattsmouth, NE; and Levi (Emily) Matthews of Kennard, NE
Great Grandchildren – Finnegan, Charlotte, Theodore, Kellan, Darby, and Jack Matthews
Son – Ryan (Jaci) Tessendorf of Columbus, NE
Grandchildren – Evan and Ava Tessendorf of Columbus, NE
Brothers – Kenny Macken of Columbus, NE; Dave (Belinda) Macken of Platte Center, NE; Tom (Karen) Macken of Bellevue, NE; Jerry (Enid) Macken of Cozad, NE; and Doug (Jeanette) Macken of Tarnov, NE
Brother-in-law – Gale (Carole) Tessendorf of Platte Center, NE

Bonnie was preceded in death by:
Parents – Jerome and Odilia Macken
Husband – Gary Tessendorf
Sister – Betty (Tim) Christensen
Sister-in-law – Kathy Macken
Parents-in-law – Wallace and Esther (Fischer) Tessendorf