"Peggy and Bruce: I'm so very sorry to hear about Gene's passing away. Although I could not attend his memorial today, please know that you are in my prayers. Gene was a good man and will be missed. God Bless you! Meridy"
In loving memory of
Eugene H. Bonner
February 10, 1936 - April 27, 2004
Eugene H. Bonner, of 2240 Missouri Road, Forsyth Township died Tuesday morning, April 27, 2004 in the Lake Superior Hospice Suite at Marquette General Hospital.
Gene was born February 10, 1936 in Hobart, Indiana. In 1983 he moved to the Upper Peninsula and for a time managed the Northland Bar. In 1991 he married Peggy Zoppetti. From that point on his goal was to make things right for his family. He was very talented and creative. His fascination with wind power prompted him to build a wind generator, which was the sole source of power to their Northland home. He was a definite Jack of all trades for he knew a lot about electricity, mechanics and carpentry.
He was a private man, but he would go the extra mile for a friend in need.
He loved animals, especially his dogs, Buster and Vicki, aka Bug and Baby. He was a self-taught computer whiz. He spent hours on the computer daily and waited for a chance to converse with his sister, Ruth in Arkansas or his friend, Joe in Lower Michigan. Gene waited for the long winters to pass so he could get to his true love, fishing. He often bragged about the fact that it took less than five minutes to get his boat from home to the river for fishing. He loved to fish alone, with family and with friends. As long as he was fishing, life was good.
Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer on March 24, 2004. He still had hopes of fishing one last time, but it wasnt long before the disease began taking a toll. He refused treatment because he felt if the quality of life wasnt there, he wanted no part of it. On April 27, 2004 he took his last breath.
Gene leaves behind his wife of nearly thirteen years, Peggy; a son, Bruce Barrett, at home; brothers, Perry (Mary) Bonner of Hobart Indiana, Richard (Philomena) Bonner of Mobridge, South Dakota; a sister, Ruth (James) Koeppen of Yelleville, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. His parents, Basil and B. Madeline (Thompson) Bonner, a brother, Harry and a son, Perry Edward preceded him in death.
Genes family wishes to thank Lake Superior Hospice, specifically, Linda Lake and Sue Noren for all they have done. A very special thank you to Helen Barrett, for without her, Genes passing would not have been so peaceful. Helen truly has the magic touch. And finally, speaking for Gene Bonner, to all his family and friends, a final note: Im gonna let ya go pardner, take it easy. Well catch ya on the flip-flopIm outta here.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2004 in the Gwinn Funeral Home at 3 p.m. with Pastor Nancy Kauppi officiating. Visitation will be held in the funeral home for one hour prior to the service.