She graduated from Chadron High School in 1972. She then went on to study at Chadron State College, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education. She continued her education by obtaining her Master’s in Education from the University of Nebraska in 1983. This would spark a career in education as a teacher that spanned over several decades and several schools. Her passion and dedication led to her achieving many awards and recognitions, her proudest being the 2009 Outstanding Business Education Teacher by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Nebraska.
While attending Chadron State College, Bonnie met Chris Malcolm, and they married on June 14, 1975. They would go on to have five children, RC, RD, JP, Dalton, and Amber. Bonnie will be remembered as a fiercely dedicated mom to all of her children, raising all of them to go on to accomplish great things. Family came first and was above all else to Bonnie, a value she instilled in all those around her.
Bonnie would also have five grandchildren who she loved and adored. She was always eager to attend as many events, grandparents days, and milestones as she was able to. She was so proud to watch her children become parents themselves and raise amazing grandchildren. Bonnie was very excited after retirement to have the time and ability to travel and spend even more time with her grandchildren. She couldn’t have been more excited to become a grandmother once again to baby Leo in November.
Bonnie was also a passionate quilter and when Bonnie wasn’t filling her home with warmth and love, she could almost certainly be found creating beautiful quilts that her family will be enjoying for many years to come. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Delores Koch; father- and mother-in-law Dee and Ferne Malcolm; husband Chris R. Malcolm; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Scott Malcolm and Carol “Bunny” Malcolm; and nephew Spencer Smith. Bonnie is survived by her five children, son RC (Amy) Malcolm of Peculiar, MO, and grandchildren Sydney, Courtney, and Christi; son RD Malcolm of Lincoln, NE; son JP Malcolm of Waverly, NE, daughter-in-law Sarah Malcolm, and grandson Hayden; son Dalton (Aaron) Malcolm of Kansas City, MO; daughter Amber (Drew) Kozisek of Lincoln, NE, and grandson Leo Kozisek; three siblings, sister Diane (Dave) Walkowiak; sister Cindy Hille; brother Kelly Koch; brother-in-law Rick (Nan) Malcolm; sister-in-law Vicky (Stan) Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family; and her beloved dog Yeti.
A visitation will be held at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel (4300 O St) on Friday, November 4th from 5-7PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5th at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68520) at 10:30AM. A committal service will be held on Monday, November 7th at Omaha National Cemetery (14250 Schram Rd, Omaha, NE 68138) at 10:00AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bonnie’s name to Mourning Hope which was an organization close to her heart.