Margaret Ann Bonthuis

Margaret (Hayden) Bonthuis, 93, of Sioux City, passed away on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2026, at a local hospital surrounded by her family following a brief illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Holy Cross Parish-Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary by St. Therese Study Club at 6:30 p.m. and Vigil at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Margaret was born September 29, 1932, in Rock Valley, Iowa, the daughter of Pauline (Appel) and Earl Hayden. She graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1950, where she was active as a cheerleader and class officer. She was also an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she led the rosary before Mass and taught grade school catechism. She attended Briar Cliff College to earn her teaching degree. She taught one year in a country school, followed by teaching kindergarten in George, Sibley, and at Washington Elementary in Sioux City.

She married Kenneth Bonthuis on July 9, 1955, at St. Mary’s in Rock Valley. She was deeply involved in her children’s education and activities. She and Ken loved attending school events and athletic competitions of their children. Later, they made many trips to watch their grand children’s school events, including debates, plays, musicals, and athletic events, including soccer, football, wrestling, baseball, track/cross country, softball, and volleyball.

Always active in the community, Margaret was a member and past president of PEO Chapter LD, Bard of Avon Book Club, and a TTT Chapter. She was also a member of Mercy Medical Auxiliary, Art Center, Symphony Guild, and the League of Women Voters. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Therese Study Club, the Confraternity, and Serra Club. Additionally, she cherished her special prayer group.

She and Ken enjoyed many years of golf at the Sioux City Boat Club and later Dakota Dunes Country Club. They also played couples bridge with dear friends. They were avid Hawkeye fans and attended many events at the University of Iowa, from which all three of their children graduated.

Margaret and Ken enjoyed many winter trips to Florida and Arizona, and they spent many summers at Leech Lake in Minnesota. Their love of travel took them to Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong. Later she enjoyed a trip to Ireland with family.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Mary (Al) Delaney, Daniel (Nancy) Bonthius, Joni (Chris) Vondrak; eleven grandchildren: Jason (Maggie) Delaney, Brian (Abby) Delaney, Katelyn (Jon) Rife, Kerri (Drew) Roesch, Daniel Bonthius Jr., Natalie Bonthius, Ryan Bonthius, Emily (Corey Glaude) Vondrak, Joseph Vondrak, Franklin Vondrak, and Molly Vondrak; great grandchildren: Annie and Zach Delaney, James and Lily Delaney, Bridget Roesch, and Penelope Glaude. In addition, she is survived by sister-in-law, Marge (Jim) Bergsma; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; infant daughter, Katherine; and three sisters: Lorraine (Ed) Schieffer, Karen Hayden, and Julie Hayden, brother-in-law, James (Eleanor) Bonthuis.