Bonnie Jean Cejka Malone

Bonnie Jean Cejka Malone

Cedar Rapids

Bonnie Jean Cejka Malone, 94, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visitation and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Cedar Memorial. Visitation will be from 1-3 PM in the Cedar Memorial Chapel State Room. The memorial service will begin at 3 PM in the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Bonnie Jean Malone, under the video tab starting at 3 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Bonnie was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1931 and remained a lifelong resident. Bonnie was the only child of Frank and Alma (Bauman) O’Neill. Bonnie grew up in a very warm and loving home. As an only child, she developed lifelong friendships with a tight circle of friends that lasted more than 80 years. Early on, she developed a love for literature, writing and theatre. Bonnie graduated in 1949 from Roosevelt High School. Bonnie was a scholar athlete in high school where she was a cheerleader, thespian and assistant news editor for her school publication.

Following high school, Bonnie earned her B.A. in English with minors in Speech and French from the University of Northern Iowa. Bonnie married Dr. Stanley Cejka, Jr. in Cedar Rapids in 1953. Bonnie and Stan enjoyed golf, music, travel, and entertaining friends and family. Bonnie taught High School English in the Solon School District for several years. She and Stan had three children together: Cathie, Susan and Chris. Their marriage ended in divorce.

Bonnie reignited her career in 1969 at Frank N. Magid and Associates working as an Iowa Field Director. In 1974, she took a position at Coe College in their Alumni Department. In 1977, she joined the staff of Kirkwood Community College as a Counselor working with disadvantaged students.

After earning her MA in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa in 1978, Bonnie began a long career as a High School Guidance Counselor. She worked at Prairie High School for 18 years and retired from North Cedar in 2001 at the spry age of 70.

Bonnie wasn’t afraid to try her hand as an entrepreneur. In the 1990’s she opened her own business, Creative Careers, providing counseling to adults going through mid-life career changes.

Bonnie was a member of many professional groups including American Counseling Association, National Career Development Association, Linn County Aging Services, Professional Women’s Network, and Phi Delta Kappa, to name a few.

Bonnie stayed involved in the Cedar Rapids community with her association in the Symphony, Theatre, Ladies golf and tennis leagues at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, Tourist Club, and the University of Northern Iowa Alumni Board.

She imparted her love of literature and theatre, and the value of staying physically active to her children. Tennis, golf, ballet, and power-walking were always on the schedule.

She had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed camping, biking, picnics and travelling to visit her children and their families.

One of the things Bonnie was most proud of was her Irish heritage. Bonnie travelled to Ireland several times and loved being back in her ancestral home. Bonnie could always be found at a local watering hole on St. Patrick’s Day, enjoying a green beer and traditional Irish fare.

Bonnie married an Irishman, Frank Malone, in 1980. They enjoyed 18 years together camping, biking, and cooking gourmet meals before his death in 1998.

Bonnie spent the last 27 years with her faithful companion, Bob Heberer. They enjoyed many great adventures together travelling and spending time with family, and both had a love for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Thank you, Bob, for “driving Miss Bonnie through the traffic of life.”

Bonnie had a zest for life that was contagious. She was a beacon of light for so many and brought a positive, can-do attitude to everything she did. Bonnie didn’t believe in limitations. She lived her life guided by her faith and love of family and friends.

A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful friend, Bonnie lived a life defined by continuous learning, a spirit of adventure, and a deep connection to family and community. Bonnie was affable, fun-loving, and sincerely interested in people and their stories. She took great pleasure in developing meaningful relationships throughout her life. Bonnie always stayed active and continued to “power- walk” until the end.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the incredible staff at Cottage Grove Place for the love and care they provided to Bonnie the last 18 months.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Catherine Cejka Powell (Gary) of Venice, FL, Susan Cejka Hollander (Scott) of Victor, ID, Christopher Cejka of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren Stephen Powell and Scott Powell, Megan Hollander Lissandrello (Charles) and Jeffrey Hollander (Barbara), Victoria Cejka and Nicholas Cejka; great-grandchildren Benjamin Lissandrello and Oliver Lissandrello, Henry Hollander and Hailey Hollander.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation or Orchestra Iowa.