Sharing our loss with our auction family:
My wife and soulmate Bonnie went to be with our Lord Jesus. Below is her obituary. She was a great partner in life and in business helping me build our auction business.
I will be absent from the auction scene for a short time. During my absence I ask that you contact an auction staff if you have any needs before I return. The number below will link you to my sister Deb’s number and someone will return your call. Be blessed and enjoy every day that you have.
Claud McMillen
Contact: 269-419-8769
Bonnie Jean McMillen
This is a remembrance of the life of Bonnie Jean McMillen, born Bonnie Jean Johnson April 8, 1941, daughter of the late Robert and Julia Johnson of Battle Creek, MI. Bonnie went to be with her Lord on March 18, 2023.
Bonnie was the eighth of nine children. The Johnson family expanded enormously and held regular reunions throughout the United States, as well has kept in touch through a “round robin” newsletter.
She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1959, met and married the late Gordon Kissinger in 1958, which ended in divorce in 1968. She finally met and married the love of her life and soulmate, Claud McMillen. They celebrated life together for 43 glorious years.
Bonnie had many hobbies, including bowling, golf (one year she had 2 holes in one!), singing with Sweet Adeline’s chorus and Burnum Brook singers, puzzles, sewing, crocheting, and later in life painting and acting lessons. She loved playing cards and games of many kinds and wasn’t known for being a good loser. She often won.
She and Claud were quite involved in their home church North Avenue Church of God, where Bonnie often helped to serve funeral dinners. Her favorite hymn is “I’ll Fly Away”.
Bonnie was a hard worker and worked for Nabisco Cereal, Eaton Corporation, managed a cleaning crew for Hudson’s retail store, owned and operated a mobile concession wagon, became a successful real estate agent, all while supporting her husband who built a successful auction company. She also helped rehab several residential and commercial properties and loved yard work at their lake home.
She is remembered by her loving husband Claud, daughter Darcy (Terry) Purk, stepchildren Kristie (Mark) Champion, Troy (Tracy)McMillen, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, surviving brothers and sisters Lyle Johnson, Lila Latham, and Sylvia Parmelee, nieces and nephews, as well as many wonderful friends.
Bonnie was proceeded in death by parents Robert and Julia, siblings Bob, Bess, Marvin, LaVerne, Larry and son Gordy. She knew she would find joy in meeting them in heaven. She loved her life, family, friends and especially her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A Celebration of Life to be held April 1st at North Ave Church of God Battle Creek. Visitation with family at 10:30AM, celebration at 11:30AM, with lunch immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bonnie’s honor can be made to North Avenue Church of God or American Cancer Society.
