(Member Of Henry County Senior Center)
Bonita Jean Mengerink, age 87, of Napoleon, Ohio, peacefully passed away Monday afternoon, March 9, 2026, under hospice care at Northcrest Rehabilitation and Nursing in Napoleon.
She was born in Liberty Center, Ohio, on Oct. 11, 1938, to D.C. Bressler and Emma (Haefner) Bressler, and was one of nine children. Bonita graduated from Liberty Center High School in 1957.
Bonita later married William Mengerink Jr. and faithfully dedicated her life as a homemaker, lovingly caring for the everyday needs of her home while raising their son, Dwight.
Following the passing of her husband, William, Bonita later met her life companion, Hubert Van Hecke, and from their union she was blessed with her daughter, Christina. Bonita found joy in life’s simple pleasures and was well known for speaking her mind and sharing her honest opinions with those around her.
She was a steadfast member of the Henry County Senior Center, where she enjoyed visiting with friends, playing bingo, and completing word search puzzles. Bonita was also an avid reader and, most of all, loved spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Christina Van Hecke of Napoleon; and a special caregiving niece, Joan Hardesty of Liberty Center. Bonita was preceded in death by her parents, D.C. and Emma Bressler; her husband, William Mengerink Jr., who passed away Sept. 29, 1982; special life companion, Hubert Van Hecke on Dec. 21, 1998; son, Dwight Mengerink, who passed away July 31, 2020; and her siblings, Shirley Hildenbrandt, Luanne Mengerink, Francis Fuller, Bill Bressler, Bob Bressler, Eileen Boyle, Don Bressler, and Roland Bressler.
Friends and family may gather for a time of visiting and honoring Bonita’s life from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 State Highway 109, Delta, Ohio. Interment will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Services, 135 E. Maumee Ave., Napoleon, Ohio 43545, or the Henry County Senior Center, 203 Rohrs St., Napoleon, Ohio 43545, in Bonita’s memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.