Thomas R. Bonk

Thomas R. Bonk, 78, of Sussex, Wisconsin passed away on November 25, 2022. Beloved husband of Judy Bonk (nee Cavanaugh) of 56 years. Loving father of Todd (Patty Hurley), Mike (Lynn), Tim (Jill), Ami (Jim Klaus), Christine (Paul Anello) and Andy “Butch” (Andrea). Proud grandfather of Sammi (Josh) Lueptow, Scott, Zach, Dylan, Ellie, Will, Jordan, Ben, Grace, Emmet, Anne, Maggie, Sam, Bo, Bear, George, Emmy, Tucker, Flippy, Charlie, and Max. Big brother to Karen (Lee) Wittmus and Sherry Walter. He is also survived by his beloved four-legged companion, Lucy, along with other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents Chester and Margaret (nee Bruckner) Bonk and his brother-in-law and best fishing buddy, John Walter.

Tom’s academic pursuits reflected his eclectic interests. He was a proud graduate of Christ King School, class of ’58, and Marquette University High School, class of ’62. Tom went on to attend the University of Michigan School of Forestry and Conservation, but ultimately graduated from Marquette University, class of ’67, with a degree in business along with an emphasis on Latin and the classics. He was a voracious reader, and you’d most likely find him reading anything he could find. Upon graduation, Tom began his career working alongside his father at Poston-Bonk Painting and Decorating Company. Later, he founded a general contracting company, Bonerz Homes, and built custom homes throughout southeastern Wisconsin. But his true passion was as a craftsman and woodworker, building furniture and special pieces for family and friends.

Tom’s love of the outdoors influenced his entire life and outlook. He earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed everything about flying and aviation. Tom loved to golf and could always find a willing partner or two in the family or be found in the Monday morning league he was part of for years. He was also a master marksman, competing (and winning) for years in regional trap shooting leagues and competitions. For many years, Tom volunteered as an instructor in Wisconsin’s Hunter’s Safety Program. And of course, countless hours were spent “North of the tension line” with friends and family at his beloved cabin, or as he aptly named it, “Paradise.” Purchased in 1979, the 40+ acres deep in the Nicolet National Forest quickly became his most favorite place on earth. There, he would hunt, fish, cross country ski, snowshoe, or (his favorite) simply walk the woods in every season, any time he could. Tom truly loved nothing more than a night at the cabin spent among family and friends, especially Bob and Val, sharing stories that only grew bigger and better with time. Both deer camp each November and the family’s New Year’s weekend celebration were annual events that he never missed, loving the gathering of his most favorite people in his most favorite place.

Tom’s family was everything to him. Although Tom and Judy were grade school classmates at Christ King, they didn’t officially begin dating until their senior year of high school. From then on, they were inseparable, celebrating 56 years of marriage this past August. Tom loved and admired Judy more than he could ever say. But perhaps the role Tom relished most in life was being a father to their six children. There was no one who was a greater supporter of any and every thing his children did or wanted to do. More importantly, he was always there to help in any way that he could. Being a proud grandfather to his 21 grandchildren was a full-time job, and Tom regularly sang their praises to anyone and everyone who would listen. Indeed, Tom’s legacy is his family. His wisdom and knowledge will be missed by many. His unique sense of humor, his stubborn but caring nature, and his quiet kindness that left his actions to speak louder than any words made all our lives better. He will be dearly missed.

Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 3:00 PM – 5:45 PM. Memorial service to follow at 6:00 PM and a reception at Ironwood golf course at its conclusion. Urn placement at Lisbon Merton Union Cemetery, Lisbon, Wisconsin will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s honors are appreciated to Marquette University High School.