Obituary
Bonnie Rae Lau
Bonnie Rae Lau (Anderson) passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Bonnie was born on June 14, 1936, to Lawrence and Gladys Anderson in Taylor, WI. In 1954, Bonnie met Jerry Lau at a root beer stand in La Crosse, WI and it was “love at first sight”. Bonnie and Jerry married and went on to have four children, Pamela, Terri Kay, Jaki, and Troy (Connie).
After graduating from Black River Falls High School, she studied cosmetology at The La Crosse Beauty School. Bonnie was also a highly sought-after model for the downtown La Crosse, WI stores. The majority of Bonnie’s work life was spent at Trane Company, and she eventually retired from JC Penney, Corp. where she was their financial auditor.
After retirement, Bonnie spent her time baking and maintaining her “immaculate” yard and flower beds. Bonnie was known for passing out her goodie trays during the holidays. Her sandbakkels, krumkake, and hand-dipped chocolate-covered cherries were always the stars on each tray.
Bonnie was predeceased by her infant daughter, Terri Kay as well as her parents, sisters Sharon Boyd, and Lynda Bremmer, and her brother Richard (Dick) Anderson. She is survived by her husband and children, grandchildren Christopher (Maren) Lau, Rachel (Scott) Hubinger, Jordan (Megan) King, and Emily (John) Miller, great-grandchildren Greta and Elsa Lau, Anden and Cora Hubinger, Anna and Isla King, and Valeria, Adeline, and Holly Miller, sisters Patricia (Al) Strigens, Jeanine Rondone, brother Mike Anderson, sister-in-law Sharon Anderson, and godson Chad Dunham.
Our family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mulder’s for their patience, gentle care, and love shown toward our mom throughout her time with them. The Gundersen hospice team – you are amazing. Your help and guidance throughout the past week were very comforting. We appreciate you all, so much.
At our mother’s request, there will be no services. The family will be holding a private
celebration of life service at a later date.
Sorry to hear Jerry, I always loved her singing at church. Prayers for you and all the family
We will miss her pretty voice and sincere heart at church!
I am Lori Johnson Meinking and grew up on French Island by your family. I went to school with Troy. I remember your mom she was kind and beautiful. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I had a similar career path to Bonnie, but we never crossed paths. I also worked at JC Pennys in the Catalog department back in 1980. Then I also worked for Trane Company (American Standard and Ingersoll Rand) from 1999 – 2018. It’s funny how one’s life revolves around people we don’t know directly but are entangled in some ways. I also went to Logan High School with her daughter Jacki. Jacki and I were the two youngest of the Class of 1976. We both graduated at 17 years of age. Although I didn’t know Bonnie, through her children, I know she was a special person. My heart goes out to the Lau family at this difficult time.