Bonnie Lou (O'Brien) Sassenger

Age 83, of Morris, Illinois, died Tuesday, October 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at her home.

Born on June 18, 1943, in Morris, Bonnie Lou was the daughter of Walter and Francis (Hexdall) O’Brien. She was raised and educated in Morris through the eighth grade before attending school in Seneca, where she graduated from Seneca High School with the Class of 1961.

Following graduation, Bonnie married the love of her life, Ralph, on October 13, 1962, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dwight, Illinois. She began her career at the Morris Paper Mill, where she worked for five years before moving with Ralph to North Carolina while he was stationed there with the United States Army. After Ralph’s honorable discharge, they returned to Morris, where Bonnie joined Alumax. She served as store manager until her retirement in 1995.

Bonnie was a member of the Women’s American Legion and enjoyed participating in several local bowling leagues throughout the Grundy County area. Bowling was one of her favorite pastimes, offering her the opportunity to spend time with others who shared her interests. She had a love for life and enjoyed a variety of activities, including roller skating, visiting casinos, playing baseball, and working on puzzles. In her earlier years, Bonnie lived to roller skate and was among the top roller skaters, a passion that brought her great joy. Whether gliding across the skating rink, trying her luck at the casino, enjoying a game of bowling or baseball, or settling in with a puzzle, Bonnie appreciated the simple pleasures that brought enjoyment to her days. She was also an avid Elvis Presley fan and held a special appreciation for his music. Her many interests and hobbies reflected her vibrant spirit, love of recreation and entertainment, and appreciation for the everyday moments that made life special.

Above all, family held a special place in Bonnie’s heart and was always her greatest priority. She embraced Ralph’s family as her own, building lasting bonds and creating treasured memories throughout the years. Some of her fondest times were spent gathered together at Christmas, celebrating the holiday surrounded by family, sharing laughter, and enjoying the traditions that made those occasions so meaningful. She especially enjoyed playing games with family members, where time spent together made for wonderful memories. Her love for family was evident in the value she placed on these connections, and the memories she created with Ralph and his family will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Ralph of Morris; four grandchildren: Heidi (Justin) Hysolp; Stefanie (Zach) Waldron; Amber (Ben) Locke and Kimberly Sassenger; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; one brother Winston (Carol) O'Brien of Seneca, Illinois; seven sisters-in-law: Glenda Kutos of Dwight, Illinois; Debra (Philip) Weller of Dwight, Illinois; Donna Gebhardt of Dwight, Illinois; Dorreen Hodgson of Dwight, Illinois; Rhonda (Mike) Oughton of Dwight, Illinois; Kim (Charles) Sancken of Emington, Illinois; and Joyce O'Brien of Minooka, Illinois; three brothers-in-law: Dennis (Ann) Sassenger of Crossville, Tennessee; Keith Sassenger of Florida; and Kevin (Julie) Sassenger of Dwight, Illinois; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son Guy Sassenger; one brother Jerry O'Brien; her parents-in-law; brothers and sisters-in-law: Judith Kiper; Sheryle Laabs; Terry & Larry Sassenger; Gary Sassenger; and Dawn Sassenger.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Private graveside services for Bonnie will take place at a later date where she will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bonnie's memory to Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Bonnie's memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-0700)