Mr. John E. Bonogofsky, 80, passed away at WFH-All Saints on Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
He was born in Brisbane, ND on June 26, 1931, the son of Jacob and Agnes (nee: Brown) Bonogofsky. On June 23, 1960, he married Kathleen Mae Nail. She preceded him in death in 1996.
Mr. Bonogofsky proudly and faithfully served his nation with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 – 1953. After the war he dedicated his life to being a husband, father, grandfather, and companion. He also served as a loyal employee and engraver for Fred Knapp Engraving, retiring after a 50 year career.
He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 9948, the Korean War Veterans Chapter 227 and the Marine Corps League. In addition to showing his patriotism, Mr. Bonogofsky enjoyed vegetable gardening and watching and attending Brewers and Packers games. However, he was happiest when in the presence of his family, especially when watching his grandchildren at their sporting events.
Mr. Bonogofsky is survived by his children, Camille (Mike) Pace of Sturtevant, Deanna Bonogofsky of Plantersville, MS., John J. (Julie) Bonogofsky of Kenosha; his grandchildren, Donovan J. Pace of Sturtevant, Daleana Hill and Trey Hill of Plantersville, MS, Aaron and Matthew, Barbara Bonogofsky; his loving and faithful companion, Helen Wolfe of Sturtevant and her family; his sisters and brothers, Sarah Welch and Rosemary Gartner of Racine, alex Bonogofsky of Kenosha, Edward Bonogofsky of North Carolina, Regina Schafs of Montana and Bonnie Javernick of Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. In addition to his dear wife, Kathleen, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Dustin Michael Pace; his brothers, Vincent and Reinhold Bonogofsky and his sister, Emma Dietz.
Family and friends are invited to meet at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. for a service celebrating John’s life with Pastor Jeff Butler officiating. There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Monday evening from 4-6 p.m. His burial will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park on Tuesday morning with military honors. Those wishing to attend may meet at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. and follow in procession to the cemetery.
The Bonogofsky family extends a warmhearted thank you to the South Shore Fire Department, all of his doctors and nurses at Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Medical Center as well as locally in Racine County for the professional care administered to their father during his illness. Finally, they wish to thank Helen for her tireless and loving care she provided him over the years.
Randy Holton Chief of Staff says
On behalf our District Commander Evan Wynn, the Officers and Members of VFW District 1, please accept our sincere sympathies. Comrade Past Commander Bonogofsky will be greatly missed by his Comrades. Semper Fi Marine Randy Holton Chief of Staff VFW District 1
Joe & Gina Kocjan says
Helen and the Bonogofsky family. We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing,he was such a great person and we will miss him. He grew the best green beans ever and we enjoyed every bagfull he gave us over the years. When John retired, Joe really missed him. His positive attitude, funny jokes, great stories and his little saying always to Joe was.. “Cheer up, better days are coming”. John was a great co-worker and friend. We will miss seeing him and talking with him at the company outings and our table at the Christmas Party won’t be the same with John not there to make us laugh. Helen, we are sorry we could not attend the services for John, to comfort you and to say so long to a dear friend. Huggs and God Bless.