Bonnie Rose Theisen

Bonnie Rose Theisen, 79, of Des Moines, IA passed away Tuesday, September 7, 2021. Bonnie was born in Fort Dodge, IA on October 30, 1941 to Abe and Eileen Castagnoli. She graduated from St. Edmonds Catholic School in 1959 and went on to attend Clarke College in Dubuque, IA, where she met the love of her life, Bill Theisen. They were married in the summer of 1960, and together they had four children, Christine, Bill Jr, Matthew, and Maura.

Bonnie and Bill moved several times with their young children, having numerous adventures across the Midwest, including Chicago, Peoria, St. Louis, and Waverly. They eventually settled in Des Moines in 1975.

After 20 years of raising a family, working various jobs, and volunteering, all while taking numerous college courses, Bonnie graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Social Work. She continued her education, earning a Master’s in Social Work in 1985, which allowed her to fulfill her vocation as a Clinical Social worker. She worked at Orchard Place Residential, Spectrum, Des Moines University, and was most proud of her partnership with Johnston/Theisen Psychiatric Services.

Bonnie was beautiful, funny, good hearted and charitable. She marched for civil rights and fought for equal rights. Her strong sense of faith and inherent spirituality was a strong driving force throughout her life. She had an abundant passion for music, reading, and movies. She also loved to travel, having many wonderful adventures around the world with Bill. She spent more than a few summers in cottages along the coast of Maine with family and friends, and often said the ocean called to her.

Bonnie was loved by many, and had countless friends from the numerous groups and organizations she belonged to and enjoyed. She was especially fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which she viewed as a "gift and great fun."

Bonnie is survived and lovingly remembered by her sister, Janele Castagnoli; her brother, Larry (Marsha) Castagnoli; her children, Christine (Jack) Kintner of Chicago, IL, Bill (Beth) Theisen Jr. of Bluffton, OH, Matthew Theisen of Sioux Falls, SD, and Maura (Steve) Stolp of Des Moines; her grandchildren, Jeremy (Christine) Kintner, Billy and Sarah Theisen, Samantha and Jack Stolp; and her great-grandchildren, Sophie and Teddy Kintner.

Bonnie, along with her whole family, are very grateful for the generous, wonderful caregivers at Bright Kavanaugh House.

A memorial for Bonnie Rose will be organized in the spring of 2022 to honor her wonderful life. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Memorials may be directed to her favorite charities – the Des Moines Food Pantry, Urban Dreams or Bright Kavanaugh House Hospice Care.

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