Bonnie Zysko, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away peacefully, on June 7, 2026 to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to also join her beloved husband, Ken Zysko, who passed away in January. Bonnie was born in Winona, MN to Edward and Marcella Pahnke.
Bonnie’s most cherished journey began when she met her husband Ken, in Winona, Minnesota. He came into the local diner where she worked evenings, Ken swept her off her feet and they married on November 30, 1963, beginning a devoted marriage that would span 62 years, during which they created a beautiful family and raising three children together.
Bonnie was the nurturer of our family. She was a woman of deep and unwavering Christian faith, which served as the foundation for everything she did. A devoted wife and mother, her greatest joy and ultimate calling was staying home to raise their three children, ensuring they grew up wrapped in her love and rooted in the same faith that guided her life.
A defining chapter of her life began when she joined Bible Study Fellowship. It was there that she met some of her closest, and most cherished friends. Most importantly, it was through BSF that she gave her life to Jesus. This was a life-changing decision and remained profound in all that she did and said from that moment forward, and its blessing rippled through everything she did, shaped her faith, her family, and her future as a Christian woman.
Mom’s love was felt in the details of every day life. She took great joy in sending handwritten cards of encouragement, a simple gesture that brightened so many days for so many people. She gave generously with her resources to many charitable organizations, but often to complete strangers that she felt the Lord prompting her to give freely. Each morning over coffee, her and our Dad would read their bible and daily devotional together, anchoring their days in faith. Nothing brought her greater joy than gathering her family together, keeping many holiday traditions alive. Yet, Above all these beautiful memories, her greatest gift to us was the certainty that we were deeply loved by her. She also made sure we always knew the depth of unconditional love Jesus holds for us too. Her life was a true reflection of Christ’s love.
Mom’s capacity to love shone brightest in her role as a grandmother, or as they all referred her to as Nana. Her grandchildren, Katherine, Christian, Olivia, Audrey, and Kade were her absolute pride and joy, her face lit up at the mere mention of their names. Blessed with a servants heart, her ultimate prayer was for her grandchildren, and anyone else she met, was to know the transformative love of Jesus, to anchor their lives in the same truth she held so dear, just how deeply they were loved by Jesus, and wanted them to give their hearts and lives to Him.
Together, Ken and Bonnie raised three children: Lisa Zysko Bakke of San Antonio; Lori Zysko Harris of Kerrville; and John Anthony Zysko of Lubbock, Texas. Bonnie was a loving Nana to Olivia Bakke of Austin; Katherine Harris Motter and her husband, Dolan Motter, of Las Colinas; Christian Harris of Dallas; and Audrey and Kade Zysko of Lubbock.
Bonnie is also survived by her sister, Joni Angst and brother, Billy Pahnke both of Winona, MN.
The family is forever grateful to all those who loved our parents and took amazing care of them while at New Haven. As well as Hospice of Kerrville. The love and support given to them was incredible and made there last months here beautiful, immense love given, and were never in any pain.
We will miss you Mom and Dad; thank you for being amazing parents to us. Until we meet again in heaven, we will carry on in our faith, traditions, and love for one another. I know you’ll be waiting for us. We love you so!
“I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith. There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me, and I know that my Lord will reward me on His day of righteous judgement. And this crown is not only waiting for me, but for all who love and long for His unveiling.” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peterson Hospice.
A private family service will be held at Fort Sam Houston.