John T. Bonis

View John's Tribute Video John T. Bonis passed away at 2:45 am on August 31, 2015, at the Knox County Nursing Home.  He was 82.  He was born in Milwaukee, WI, on December 21, 1932 to John and Victoria Bonis.    He attended various schools within the Milwaukee school district, eventually graduating from Riverside High School.  When he turned eighteen, he enrolled in the United States Navy and faithfully served his country for four years during the Korean War.  He returned home, after the war and met the love of his life, Florence Hoffa.  They were wed November 28, 1959 and remained together until his death.  Together, they raised six children.   John is survived by his wife Florence, six children:  Mary Bonis of Myrtle Beach, SC, John Bonis Jr. (Linda) of Milwaukee, WI, Carol Wilson (Wally) of Milwaukee, WI, Tom Bonis (Laura) of Beaver Dam, WI, Vicky Queen (Alan) of Keokuk IA, Andy Bonis of Galesburg, IL, and long time, grade school friend, Donnie Krzeminski (Dolores) of Milwaukee, WI.  He had seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  John was preceded in death by his father, John Barney Bonis and his mother, Victoria (Sajdowitz) Bonis.       In 1948, John landed his first job in the meat department of a local grocery story.  It stuck, and in the years that followed, he continued working in various meat departments.  He left Milwaukee in 1978, taking the position of Meat Manager for Easter Foods in Keokuk, Ia.  In 1982, the company transferred him to Galesburg and he remained in that position when Easter Foods became Giants.  He retired from that position in 1995.  The phrase “He never met a stranger” clearly described his approach to life.  Give him a few minutes with a stranger, and he’ll show you a new friend.  He was a story teller by nature, and easily spoke to anyone who crossed his path.  He was an avid collector of coins, cards, and stamps in his free time.           The Bonis family would like to thank the staff of both the Knox County Nursing Home and Heartland Health Care for the care given to John through a difficult time, your compassion made his passing easier.   A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  A prayer service will follow at 1 p.m.  Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.