Bonnie S. Liss

Liss, (nee Weissenfluh) Bonnie of Franklin, Wisconsin died peacefully on May 31, 2023 in the presence of her husband and twin brother. She is survived by her husband, Larry, for whom she was married to for 45 years. She is further survived by her sons, Adam (Tami) and Andrew (Heather), and the loves of her life, her five precious grandchildren, Sidney, Violet, Hazel, Louella, and Lennon. She also leaves behind many other nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bonnie was born to Maxine and Glen Weissenfluh in June 1945, one of twins. She is survived by that twin, her brother, Peter (Priscilla). Her parents and sisters Wendy and Debbie, proceeded her in death.

Bonnie was a graduate of Bay View High School. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology. She practiced as a speech pathologist in many different environments, including hospitals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Plattsburgh, New York as well as the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Curative Rehabilitation Center, and Milwaukee Public Schools. After a lengthy career as a speech pathologist, she enrolled in law school at Marquette University. Following a 10-year career as an attorney where she specialized in special education, family, juvenile, and real estate law, she returned to her first love of speech pathology.

In 2005, she and Larry began a nonprofit organization called Our Safe Place, bridge housing for individuals/families who are in recovery from drug and/or alcohol addiction. At the time of her death, she remained the executive director, volunteering many hours each week.

Bonnie was an avid reader, belonging to several book clubs. She was a longtime bridge player and recently took up the game of sheepshead. A devoted swimmer, she was particularly happy in both the lake waters around Minocqua as well as the Green Bay pool of her son. It was a personal goal for her to complete the swim to Divine Island in Minocqua with her granddaughter. She teased her family that she may come in last, but hopefully first in her age group. She accomplished that swim with Violet last June. Summers found her navigating and enjoying the waters of Lake Michigan in the Swiss Miss, or more frequently, in the many other boats her husband introduced her to. Browns Lake, Lake Minocqua, and Lake Kawaguesaga all held special memories for her.

Her greatest pleasures came from being with her grandchildren! She spent many hours with them, helping them develop a love of reading, cooking, baking, and doing crafts (for every imaginable holiday).

In lieu of flowers (of which she loved immensely), please consider doing one or more of the following:

 Buy a book or 2 and donate to a shelter.

 Donate sheets, blankets, and pillows to Our Safe Place (see oursafeplace.org).

 Offer to take a homeless person to an appointment.

 Volunteer at a local food pantry.

 Donate blood.

 Make a meal for a shut-in.

 Tutor a student.

 Coach a youth sports team.

The list is endless, however she did not want her family to berate her for the expense of this obit. You get the idea!

She hopes to see all (or most) of you in a better place.

Bonnie’s visitation will be at 9am at St. Alphonsus Church (6060 W Loomis Rd, Greendale, WI) on Friday,

June 16th. Service to follow at 11am.