Bonnie Apley

Bonnie Apley passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Ridgewood retirement center in Bennington, Nebraska after a long illness at the age of 88. She was born on January 9, 1937, in Hebron, Nebraska, to George and Irita (Hissong) Virus. She was baptized as an infant at Grace Lutheran Church, where her lifelong faith journey began.

Bonnie was a proud Nebraskan and a devoted resident of Hebron for more than 50 years. She graduated from Hebron High School in 1953 and went on to earn her degree from Fairbury Junior College in 1956. That same year, on August 26, she married her high school sweetheart, Phil Apley.

In their early years together, Bonnie and Phil lived in Lincoln and Hebron before setting in Denver, Colorado where they spent nearly a decade. In 1973, Bonnie and Phil returned to Hebron to manage the family business, George Virus, Inc., a Case-IH implement dealership. Bonnie was not only a steady hand in the business but also a vibrant presence in the community. At Grace Lutheran Church, she taught Sunday school, participated in women’s circles, and lent her time and talents wherever they were needed.

Later in life, Bonnie and Phil retired to Lincoln and then Bennington to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Family was always at the heart of Bonnie’s life. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, dry wit, and uncanny ability to turn any ingredients into a delicious soup. She loved long walks and long hugs, planning family vacations, tending to her garden, walking her dog Megi, and spending time with her close-knit circle of friends—especially her beloved “birthday bunch.”

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 69 years, Phil, and their three children: Lori Fisk and husband Dan of The Villages, Florida; Joni Steffensmeier and husband Don of Omaha; and Todd Apley and wife Lynette of Kirkland, Washington.

Her grandchildren include Andrew Rentschler (Florida), Trevor Rentschler (Virginia), Tifany Stork and Caleb Steffensmeier (Bennington), and Ella and Cooper Apley (Washington). She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Walter, Sadie, and Charlie Stork; Joelle, Amelia, and Camden Steffensmeier; and Lili Rentschler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Irita Virus, and her brother, George Jr. She is survived by her sister, Karen Hinrichs and husband Max of Bruning, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

Funeral services will be held on September 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at Grace Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church.

Rest in the arms of grace, Mom. Your faith lit the path, your love filled the room, and your memory will forever be our comfort. You will be missed.