Bonita J. Aerne

We are saddened to announce the passing of Bonita J. Aerne; a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  She was born on August 30, 1939, in Kokomo, Indiana.  Her parents were June (Arthur) Johnson and Lawrence Brock. 

She passed away on June 10th, 2026, at Century Villa in Greentown Indiana following a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma cancer.

Bonita graduated from Kokomo High School in 1957 and earned an RN degree from Holy Cross in South Bend, IN.  She took pride in her nursing work, particularly doctor’s office nursing and OBGYN experience in the early years in hospitals. After working in office work, Bonita went on to work in the automotive medical departments for Delco and Chrysler. 

Bonita married Dennis M. Aerne, on September 3, 1960, at St. Joan of Arc Church in Kokomo.   They had been friends since high school and remained so throughout their lives. 

Bonita loved spending time with family and friends. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother & sister-in-law, nieces & nephews were especially precious to her. She enjoyed reading, painting, crafts, crocheting, watching movies, camping and fishing in Florida. Silver Lake, Michigan, was an annual destination dating back to the mid 70’s and has become a family tradition that is on its 5th generation. Dennis and Bonita loved working on K.H.S reunion together and Bonita also helped organize the Holy Cross / Good Samaritan Nurses Reunion since the late 1970’s.

She is survived by her husband of almost 66 years Dennis Michael Aerne; her children, David M. Aerne, Sabrina A. Aerne; grandchildren, Davis M. (Wesley) Aerne, Leanna Denise (Michael) Whitlock; great-grandchildren, Drake M. Aerne, Caroline Kent Aerne; brother, James A. (Rita) Brock.  She was also blessed to have Sylvia Nicholson, Kim Walling, and Kevin & Heather Baker in her life.

Friends may visit the family from 11am to 1pm, on Friday June 19, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, Indiana, with a Nursing Honor Guard Service starting at 1 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church following the Nursing Honor Guard service, with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk, as celebrant.  Interment will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Monastery of the Poor Clares or to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.