Aurelee "Bonnie" I. Kollmeyer

Aurelee “Bonnie” I. Kollmeyer, 85, of New Castle passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026 at her residence. She was born June 21, 1940 in Magnolia, New Jersey to the late Stanley (wife, Elaine) Ehresmann and Madeline (husband, Vincent) Lagrotteria.

As an Army brat, she spent her formative years traveling alongside her father during his service. By the age of 16, she had married and soon after welcomed her first two children, eventually settling in New Castle in 1966. Her life took a beautiful turn in 1976 when she met Jerry Kollmeyer, and the couple married on February 23, 1981. They moved to Alaska, where they embraced life for 33 years before finally returning to New Castle in 2011 to be closer to home.

Beyond her travels, Bonnie was cherished for her vibrant personality; she was a kind, compassionate woman who possessed a sharp intellect and a wonderfully goofy sense of humor. While she loved those around her deeply, she also had a playful side and was never afraid to "stir the pot" to liven things up. In her quieter moments, she was an avid reader and a talented craftswoman who found joy in crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She dedicated much of her free time to the ASPCA.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jerry Kollmeyer; children, Kimberly (Bill) Alcorn, Leslie (Tim) Leslie, Charles Michael Farris, Sean Farris, Kellianne (JR.) Mincey, Michelle (Paul) Adams, Susan (Bill) Weidlich; a bonus daughter, Tammy Waitt; 29 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; siblings, Carl (Violet) Lagrotteria, Trudy Lagrotteria (Jimmy), Dr. Glen (Eva) Ehresmann, Beverly (Brian Kamper) Ehresmann, Stan Lee (Debbie) Ehresmann; a son-in-law, Steve Shea and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and step parents, she is preceded in death by her sons, Ronald Wells Waitt, Jr. and Jerry Kollmeyer, Jr.; brothers, Richard and Rand D. Lagrotteria and a sister, Pam Shea.

At Bonnie’s request, there will be no public services held and cremation will take place at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dayton Children’s Hospital Foundation, One Children’s Plaza Dayton, OH 45404-1815. You may express condolences or share a memory of Bonnie at www.hinsey-brown.com.