Petersen, Bonnie Marie Haka

Bonnie Marie Haka Petersen, 75, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at the Hiawatha Care Center. She originally had a brain hemorrhage in September of 2009. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, by the Rev. Harlan Gillespie. There will be a visitation an hour before the service and a brief visitation afterward. Gringo's will cater a luncheon in the church basement after the service.

Bonnie was born in Sycamore, Ill., on Aug. 6, 1935, to Jack and Eloise (Nelson) Haka. She graduated from Sycamore High School in 1953. She attended Coe College and graduated in 1957.

Her first job out of college was with the Camp Fire Girls. She entered the insurance business with Wes Ralston. Bonnie married Bob Hupp and while raising a small child started a typesetting business. They later divorced and she became a claim adjuster for Aetna Insurance and later St. Paul Fire and Marine. Bonnie became the manager for Eastern Iowa until her retirement. She handled all of the medical malpractice claims for many doctors and hospitals, including St. Luke's, Mercy and the University of Iowa hospitals.

She married Jay Petersen in 1978 who had lost his first wife interestingly enough on July 13, 1977. They both took early retirement and had 14 years together in Florida during the winter. Bonnie and Jay were sponsors for Zach Johnson for all of the six years before he started on the PGA Tour. One of the benefits was to attend all of the PGA Florida tournaments. They were always grateful to Kim Johnson who made sure tickets were waiting for them at the “will call” window. Bonnie had a great admiration for Zach's character. He felt the same about Bonnie; exemplified when he visited her in May at the care center. Bonnie and Jay never missed an Iowa football game and Bonnie enjoyed her “Tailgate Sisters.”

She is survived by her husband; daughter, Brooke (Mike) Jared; stepchildren, Anne (Jim) Wallace, Jon (Cathy) Petersen and Jim (Christy) Petersen. Also her beloved grandchildren, Lindsay, Laney and Lauren Wallace, Sarah, David, Danielle and Emily Petersen. Also surviving are her brother, Jay (Lana) Haka of Sycamore; and nephews, Joel, Justin, Josh and Jack Haka.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Beth; a daughter-in-law, Julie Haka; and numerous aunts and uncles.

“The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the associates at Hiawatha Care Center. Their love and concern for Bonnie made the last 20 months much easier. They will be forever remembered. The family also gives thanks to those who gave support of Jay.”

Memorials may be given to the charity of choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at  under obituaries.