Bonnie L. Bauer

Bonnie Lue Bauer of Cozad passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, surrounded by her family, at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian, Idaho at the age of 85. She lived a life marked by faith, hard work, and dedication to others.

Bonnie was born August 28, 1940 in Funk, Nebraska to James and Leona Knaggs. She was the youngest of 8 kids. Her 7 siblings were Loretta (Clark), LaVonne (Kopf), Opal (Innman), Donna (Hoselton), Bill Knaggs, Margaret (Bryant) and Rodger Knaggs.

Bonnie grew up attending Trinity Lutheran School and Lexington High School. After school, she worked as a waitress. In 1956, her life changed when she met Donald Bauer. They were married on June 9, 1957, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska. Together, Bonnie and Donald shared 61 years of marriage until Donald passed away on September 22, 2018.

The couple moved to Cozad, where Bonnie took on new roles. She worked at Cozad Hospital and later at F & S Sausage, always carrying her strong work ethic. Her faith was a central part of her life, and she loved helping others whenever she could.

In her free time, Bonnie enjoyed simple pleasures such as metal detecting, camping, and browsing through garage sales and auctions. These hobbies brought her joy and a chance to connect with life’s small adventures.

Bonnie will be remembered for her kindness, her commitment to others, and the deep faith she held throughout her years. She touched many lives through her care and generosity. Her story is one of a woman who valued family, service, and the simple joys that make life meaningful.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Bauer; her parents, James and Leona Knaggs; sisters, Lorretta Clark and Margret Bryant; and several nephews and nieces.

Bonnie is lovingly survived by her children, Lynette Rose (Brian) of Kearney, NE, Cindy (Keith) Owens of Nampa, ID and Dennis Bauer (Linda Lemmer) of Plattsmouth, NE; 4 grandchildren, Jeremy Bauer (Brittany) of Atkinson, NE, Hope Dreesen (Paul) of Plattsmouth, NE, Shelby Bauer of Lincoln, NE and Sheyenne Owens (husband Spencer Kayser) of Nampa, ID; and 3 great grandchildren, Kiptyn Bauer, Lawsyn Bauer and Tahlia Dreesen.

Services will be held at a later date.