Bonita L. Wannemuehler

Bonita L. “Bonnie” (Kissel) Wannemuehler, 85, of Mt. Vernon, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, with her family by her side. Bonnie was born on October 7, 1939, in Evansville to the late Elmer and Pauline (Ralph) Kissel. Bonnie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the matriarch of her family, making sure traditions and time spent with family always continued. Bonnie and her husband Jim shared 65 years of marriage. Together, they built their brick house by hand – a labor of love that became the heart of many family gatherings, soup cooks and celebrations. Surviving Bonnie are her husband Jim and their five children, Keith Wannemuehler, Paula Parkinson, Dennis Wannemuehler, Donna (Mike) Folz and Maria (Jim) Berry; siblings, Sr. Jackie Kissel, Fr. Tony Kissel, Judy Kissel, Debbie (Rick) Neufelder and Tim Kissel; along with eighteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, who filled Bonnie’s home with love. Bonnie was a faithful member of St. Philip Catholic Church for over 60 years. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. For many years, she passed on her love and devotion to the Virgin Mary to school aged kids through the Junior Legion of Mary. She herself was an active member of the Legion of Mary for many years and distributed the Holy Eucharist to homebound individuals and nursing home residents. In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by a brother, David Kissel and by a son-in-law, Gerald “Bud” Parkinson. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at St. Philip Catholic Church, Rev. Ryan Hilderbrand and Rev. Tony Kissel officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Philip Church Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street and from 9:00 AM until service time on Thursday at St. Philip Catholic Church, 3500 St. Philip Road, S, Mt. Vernon, IN 47620. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Benedict at the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana or to St. Philip Catholic Church. The family would like to thank the staff of Deaconess Hospice for their compassionate care. They would also like to thank the parishioners of St. Philip Catholic Church for their visits, prayers, and concern. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Bonita L. Wannemuehler

October 7, 1939 - July 20, 2025