Obituary

On May 29, 2024, Robert Anthony Bonk walked towards his reward for a life well-lived. The beloved husband and father was surrounded by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Jean, and his children. He was eighty-five years old.

Bob was born to Valentine and Anastasia (Sewak) Bonk on September 13, 1938. He was the last surviving member of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sisters, Agnes and Catherine; siblings, Joseph (Ann), John (Margaret), George (Helen), Caroline (Raymond) Michalek, Gladys (Nick) Jurich, Edward (Rose), and Thomas; nephews, Ron and Dan Michalek, and Dave Bonk, and niece Courtney Rose Bonk; also, dear friends, Jim and Marylou Chilcot.

He is survived by his loving wife Jean (Killian); daughters, Jackie ( Randy) Allison, Michele Bonk, Tina (John) Haydu, and son Chris (Julie Sadar); granddaughters, Samantha ( Joseph Ott) Allison-Ott, Serena Bonk, Carley (Zack) Kimball, and Kaylee Bonk; great- grandson, Grayson Robert Ott and a great- granddaughter Kimball due to arrive in August; sister-in-law, Connie Bonk; brother-in-law Raymond Foust, sister-in-law Barbara (Denny) Horner, brother-in-law Joe (Lori) Killian; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob served his county in the U.S. Army and was stationed overseas. He was a skilled carpenter who built his house. A union carpenter, with over fifty years of service, he was a business agent before retirement. Bob believed strongly in the union and fought for fair wages in exchange for hard work. He extended a hand to many community members willing to partake in this exchange to build a fair society in which to live.

In a well-deserved retirement, he and his wife Jean traveled. Whether in an RV, by car, boat, or plane, they shared many adventures with in-laws Maryann (deceased) and Raymond Foust, numerous friends, and family trips to the beach. Bob loved to hunt, fish, golf, gamble (with friends Gerry and Becky), cook, and listen to bluegrass. He carved over a hundred walking sticks which he gave away freely to family, friends, and to people he just met and made friends with.

Bob was a character who flipped his dentures out for his granddaughters to make them laugh. Pap “harmonized” in silliness with his “girls”. Though loved dearly, he was banished from a granddaughter tea party once. He doted on his family.  Gatherings were noisy with laughter from Bob’s antics as “Chef Shumway” or just Dad stuff.

When Bob’s medical needs led him and his wife to their new home at The Villa, he made his caregivers family. We, his children, only hoped his antics with the nurses (pool noodle sword fights and shower water battles) didn’t result in bail money. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association in Robert’s name. In keeping with the deceased’s wishes, a small graveside ceremony will be held with immediate family members in attendance. Bob led a life so fully that it’s impossible to list all the lives he touched and the difference his presence made in the world. May we all strive to leave such a legacy of love and service. This great man will be sorely missed. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com