Bonnie J. Schukai

Bonnie Schukai, 77, of Springfield, took her last breaths on December 26th, 2025 in comfort. She was born on May 2, 1948 in Taylorville to Rex Funderburk and Daisy Armstrong Funderburk. Bonnie married Jay Schukai in 1974 and is survived by their

children Jeffrey (Melissa) Schukai and two grandchildren, Hunter and Molly Schukai of Springfield; and Emilie Schukai of Chicago.

Bonnie attended Illinois State University, graduating with a degree in Education. She began teaching high school French, setting the tone for a life spent explaining things clearly, correcting gently, and occasionally wondering why our homework wasn’t done.

She later moved on to the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she reviewed and adjudicated disability claims, took on management responsibilities, and eventually trained new adjudicators. There, Bonnie helped craft language that contributed to legislation granting same-sex couples access to medical information and hospital visitation rights during the AIDS and HIV crisis. It was serious, meaningful work, and she did it without needing applause or a plaque.

Retirement was never an invitation to relax. Instead, she volunteered at the Lawrence Adult Education Center, teaching ESL classes to immigrants and helping develop the Adult Literacy program. Education, she believed, was something you shared, like food, opinions, or answers shouted confidently during Jeopardy.

Bonnie was a devoted daughter, loyal wife, loving mother, and cherished grandma. She loved learning, art, and animals, though not usually in that order. She was an incredible cook and baker, and her kitchen was a place where people wandered in hungry and left

fuller than they expected - emotionally and otherwise. Kind and generous, but also headstrong and challenging, Bonnie was quick-witted, competitive, and nearly impossible to beat at Trivial Pursuit. She loved to laugh, usually laughing to tears at something she’d said herself.

The lore of Bonnie Schukai lives on in stories retold, recipes half-followed, and facts no one else can quite remember. She is deeply missed.

Cremation rites were accorded and a visitation will be held between 10am and noon on January 10, 2026 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road. In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Alzheimer's Association at alz.org and condolences may be left at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.