Bonnie Jo Holopirek

Bonnie Jo (Geyer) Holopirek, a beacon of warmth and wisdom passed away on April 20^th, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family in her hometown of Hesston, Kansas. Born October, 12^th 1961 to Elmer “Junior” and Dolly Geyer. She was the seventh child of eight, her life was centered around her loving family, Catholic faith and dedication to service to others. There were times growing up on her family farm in Leoti, KS when things would get difficult, but Bonnie always had family and her faith in the Lord. She attended Catholic grade school in Marienthal, Kansas and graduated from Wichita County High school in 1979. After graduating from high school, she received her Bachelor's degree in psychology from Fort Hays State University in 1983. She worked various jobs in the Hays, KS and Garden City, KS area deciding to further her education at the University of Kansas where she graduated in May 1991 with a Master’s degree in social work. 

On May 30^th, 1992 she married Rudy Holopirek, and moved to Hesston where they welcomed and raised two beautiful girls MaKayla and Morgan. Bonnie’s calling as an educator was evident to all who knew her. For over 25 years she worked as a counselor/social worker, nurturing young minds at USD 419 Canton-Galva School District and leaving an indelible mark on her students. Her life outside of the school was rich with simple pleasures she cherished. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her girls shopping, traveling, attending sporting events and beating the family in a card game of Pitch. Throughout her life she was dedicated to the Catholic church and her community, and she always brought her strong family values to everything she did. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Rudy Holopirek; two children MaKayla (Chris) Garcia, Gardner, KS and Morgan (Zach) Bishop, Hesston, KS. Six siblings: Leo (Linda) Geyer, Esther (Larry) Johnston, Polly (Merle) Witt, Danny Geyer, Myron (Renee) Geyer, Brenda (Doug) Billings, and dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer (Junior) and Elizabeth (Dolly) (Baker) Geyer, her sister Donna (Geyer) Wright, and her sister-in-law, Carla Geyer.

Bonnie’s life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, the lives she touched, and the love she shared will be cherished forever. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will bloom eternally in the hearts of those she has left behind. 

The Vigil Service and Rosary will be held on Friday at 6:00p.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church 106 E 8^th Street, Newton, KS. The service to honor and celebrate Bonnie’s life will be held on April 27^th, 2024 at 10:00a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Bergkamp as Celebrant. Special eulogy honoring Bonnie Holopirek will begin at 9:50 am. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at the Hesston Cemetery, with a reception to be held at Dyck Arberutum. 

Condolences may be sent to Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N Main Street, Newton, KS 67114. Memorials in Bonnie’s honor can be made to: Canton/Galva PTO for teacher request for classrooms and Dyck Arboretum in Hesston, KS. Bonnie’s girls would like to take her grandchildren to the Arboretum and reminisce about the memories created about Nana Bonnie.