Bonnie Jo (Dickey) Hartke

Bonnie Jo Hartke, 81, of Litchfield, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by family. She was born April 14, 1944, in Carlinville, IL, a daughter of Glenn Lester and Betty Jean (Fenton) Dickey. Bonnie graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1962. She first married Ray D. Niemann with whom she had three children, and they later divorced. Bonnie and Richard William Hartke were married March 7, 1975, where she was blessed to add three bonus daughters, and in time, she and Richard added a son. Bonnie had a deep love for her family and taking family trips. Living and working on the farm brought her great joy, along with keeping an immaculate yard and baking her delicious chocolate chip cookies. She had a servant’s heart as an active member of Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA), Mt. Olive, and as a dependable volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Additionally, Bonnie served on the Board of Directors at Bank and Trust Co.

Bonnie is survived by:

Sons, Kevin Niemann (Tracy) and Brian Niemann (Penny), all of Litchfield, and Travis Hartke (Linsey) of Boise, Idaho

Daughters, Dawn Wheat (Jeff) of Litchfield, Debra Claytor (Kenneth) of Fulshear, TX and Karla Smith (Bill) of Wartrace, TN

Sisters, Nancy Steward of Raymond, IL and Patsy Awwad (Ralph) of Prudenville, MI

Grandchildren and great grandchildren, Courtney Fritchley (Genevieve) and children Daphne and Benjamin; Caleb Niemann (Caitlin); Elizabeth Carlock (Ethan); Hannah Savage (Cody) and their soon to be born son, Hank; Hunter Niemann (Hannah); Amber Wheat, Paige Wheat, Hazel Hartke, Lincoln Hartke, Lennox Hartke, Michael Starbody (Kaitlyn) and their children, Harper and Beckham; Austin Claytor, Kelli Claytor, Ann Bale (Trent) and children Greyson, Lilly, Colt, and Charlotte; Daniel Coatney (Olivia) and their son, Jase; and Samantha Williamson (Terrance) and their daughter, Madelyn.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Betty Dickey, her husband, Richard W. Hartke, and daughter, Pamela (Hartke) Coatney.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 500 S. Rt. 66, Mt. Olive, IL, 62069. Rev. Zach Krampion will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, the family suggests memorials be directed to Meals on Wheels Program, Ronald Mc Donald House-Springfield, or Zion Lutheran Church-Mt. Olive.

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