Vonna Buchholz

Vonna “Sally” I. Buchholz (Bishop) of Fitchburg, Wis., formerly of Beloit, Wis., and West Union, Iowa died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 in her home. 

The twins, Vonna and Bonna, were born June 5, 1931 to the late Clifford and Agnes Bishop (Saltsgiver) at their grandparents’ Saltsgiver farmhouse.

 Vonna married Marvin Buchholz on Jan. 1, 1950, at which time they began their farming life together. Believing in lifelong learning, they graduated with teaching degrees from the “original” Upper Iowa University in 1965.   

As her 28-year teaching career in Beloit, Wis., ended, she continued taking SLU classes at Beloit College. 

Vonna had a passion for writing, which allowed her to leave a legacy of family stories. Although family came first, her other special interests were gardening, walking, piano, reading, sewing and discussing politics.  

She became the first woman president of the Beloit Kiwanis group and supported peace efforts.   She dedicated her life to helping others and her church, specifically teaching Native American children, working with Latino families, Russian Peace mission and donating blood.  Church activities included teaching Sunday School, Deacon, Layperson and choir.  

She is survived by her children, Sue (Dan) Sippola and Sheryl (Steve) Guetzlaff; grandchildren Chris (Kristin) Guetzlaff, Scott (Erica) Guetzlaff, Patrick (Rebecca Webster) Sippola, Jenny (Logan Gehin) Sippola; and great-grandchildren Isabella, Charlotte, Rylee, Alexa, Stella, and Ryder; her twin sister Bonna Gehring, sister Esther Sivert (Dale), and brother Neal Bishop (JoAnn).  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin; her son, Tony Buchholz; and siblings Harry Bishop and Clarence Bishop.

Funeral Services were held Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa with a lunch following.

Interment was held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, rural West Union, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.         49u49