Bonnie Jean Alton 

Bonnie Jean Alton age 75, of Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday April 28, 2026, at her home following a short illness.

Bonnie was born January 31, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois to Jerome Alton and Ellen Jane (Spiers) Alton. She attended school in the Chicago area and then college at Western Illinois University where she majored in science and obtained a certificate in teaching.

Upon graduating from college she settled in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin living on a small farm that her mother had purchased in the area. She spent her career teaching in two local schools. She began at Northwestern Military Academy in Fontana Wisconsin ,and remained there until the school closed in 1995. She then taught earth science at St. Andrew’s Catholic School in Delavan Wisconsin until her retirement in 2009.

Upon her retirement Bonnie moved to one of her favorite spots- Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin where she took a serious interest in discovering and studying the modern history of that favorite tourist destination.

Bonnie had many interests and hobbies. Above all she had a fondness for animals, cats in particular. It took little prompting to get Bonnie to talk about her Arabian horse “Spock”, or her wolf-dog “Miaka”. She had a great affection for cats, any cats. She was tireless in feeding strays, seeing that any cat in need received veterinary care, and promoting neutering to insure a healthy cat population.

Bonnie loved to travel, play volleyball, create stained glass art, and study Native American culture. When she built her log cabin in the Lake Geneva area, she included a teepee and native sweat lodge on the property. She frequented and enjoyed Native American Pow Wow gatherings.

Bonnie was an authority on the Wisconsin Dells and authored three books on the topic. Included in her writing was a reference to the Native American presence and influence on the Dells area, and a comprehensive collection of historical postcards depicting the scenery and development of this area she so enjoyed.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Ellen Jane. She is survived by her brother William Alton, Sierra Madre, California, and brother Jerome Alton who resides in Spain.

Bonnie’s sense of humor and generosity will be missed by many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer or fall.  Details will be published as plans are finalized.