In Memory of Bonnie Jean Van Houten

Bonnie Jean Van Houten, age 93, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on January 3, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society of Holstein, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., with visitation held one hour prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove & Battle Creek, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Bonnie Jean Van Houten, the daughter of Guy Franklin, Sr. and Ellen Luella (Morris) Plantz, was born on January 5, 1931, in Sioux City, IA. She grew up in the Sioux City area and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1949. Bonnie continued her education at Bible College in Kissimmee, FL, before returning home to Sioux City to live with her parents.

On December 10, 1955, Bonnie was united in marriage to Arlo Van Houten in Sioux City. The couple farmed together outside of Battle Creek, IA, until 1969, when they relocated into town.

Bonnie was an accomplished seamstress and a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. She enjoyed participating in sewing circle and quilting circles at church. Bonnie was active in Deacon’s, Presbyterian Women, Mariners, she taught Sunday School and Bible study, helped organize arts & crafts for vacation Bible school, along with sewing additional quilts for missions.  She also lent her talents sewing banners for the local school and making special quilts for each First Presbyterian youth when they reached their Senior year. Bonnie served as a past president and held other office over the years in the Battle Creek Ladies American Legion Auxiliary.

On January 3, 2025, Bonnie took her Lord and Saviors hand, at the age of 93, at the Good Samaritan Society of Holstein, IA.

Survivors include her children Linda Van Houten of Sioux Center, IA, Robert Van Houten of Anthon, IA, and Teresa (Sherwyn) Van Otterloo of Kimberling City, MO; grandchildren: Julie, Travis, John, Brady, Faith, and Logan; great-grandchildren: Michael, Emma, Katie, Michael, Zoe, Austin, Cameron, and Calvin; great-great grandchildren: Joseph, Jamie, Atlas, and Bentley; sister Mary Lou Bottjen of Sioux City, IA; and extended family.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Guy, Sr. and Ellen Plantz; daughter Ramona Suina; brothers Guy Plantz, Jr. Melvin Plantz, and Robert Plantz; sisters Viola Bermmer, Joyce Newhaus, Justine Schultz, and Donna Castle.