Bonna Schaub

Bonna L. Schaub, "Bonnie" 82, of Peoria, surrendered to her 18-month battle with cancer on Friday, June 7, 2024, at her residence with her children by her side.

She was born in Peoria on October 21, 1941, to James Edward and Cora VanBeuning Atkinson. After graduating from Limestone High School in 1959, she married William N. Schaub in Kickapoo but later divorced.

She is survived by her three children, all of whom she described as her greatest achievement. Brian Schaub (Diana Gilles) of Princeville, Randolph "Randy" (Paula) Schaub of Elmhurst and Laura Schaub (Peter Brocker) of Peoria and Vero Beach, FL. She has two granddaughters, Brittany Schaub of Wisconsin and Jennifer (Spencer) Coffman of Iowa. Two sisters Janice Fritsch of Peoria and Darlene Carter of Florida also survive, along with several nieces and nephews. Her parents and brother William "Bill" Atkinson preceded her in death.

Bonna was a secretary at International Harvester Credit Corporation for 17 years. She also moonlighted in the hospitality industry during that time, which she enjoyed for the last 48 years. She worked as a bartender for over 25 years at the Continental Regency/ Holiday Inn City Centre in the banquet department and Regency Lounge. The Hotel affiliation allowed her to fulfill her passion for travel, as she and her daughter Laura took many trips together throughout the United States and Paris. Later, she enjoyed a 22-year career at Par A Dice Hotel as a banquet bartender, only retiring in June of 2023 for health reasons. She truly loved being a part of the hundreds of fundraisers, wedding receptions, and parties, serving everyone with professionalism, efficiency, and a beautiful smile.

Per her request, cremation rights have been arranged, and there will be no official services. A private celebration of life will be held later with her children and grandchildren. She asked that memorials be made to PAWS, as she shared her home with three cats plus fed all the neighborhood strays. Memorials may also be made to St. Jude or the Center for Prevention of Abuse, as she frequently worked and supported these fundraisers. You can remember her with a kind word of appreciation and a tip to your favorite bartender or server. She believed in "Paying it forward," as she often quietly helped those in need.