Robert "Bob" L Bonk

Robert “Bob” L. Bonk, age 82, a Manitowoc resident, passed away on Tuesday evening, November 16, 2021 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, Manitowoc.

Bob was born on January 17, 1939 in Two Rivers, son of the late Edwin and June (Stephani) Bonk. He was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. He then went on to graduate from Milwaukee School of Engineering. On September 30, 1961 he married the former Elizabeth “Betty” Jost at St. Luke Catholic Church in Two Rivers.

Bob started working at Mirro Aluminium Company in their Product Development department. After five years with Mirro, he went on to start a career in sales with Kirby Company. Bob then became Owner of Bonk's Kirby Sales and Service in Manitowoc where he served his loyal customers for over 50 years.

Bob was an all around great athlete from the time he was young. In his early years he played many sports, but he especially loved the game of baseball. He played on his high school team and the Manitowoc Clippers. He also made it to the final round of tryouts for the Milwaukee Braves not only once, but twice. As he got older he took up tennis and golf which he loved to play with his friends and family. Bob was a lifelong member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club and he loved spending time there. He also enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events

For everyone that knew Bob, he was the life of the party and no one could tell a story better than him. He was always cracking a joke or making people smile with his great sense of humor. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife: Betty Bonk, Manitowoc; three daughters and sons-in-law: Brenda (Jim) Whittle, West Bend, Lori (Michael) Gramins, Milwaukee, Vicki (Wayne) Kaufmann, Manitowoc; six grandchildren: Matthew and Morgan Gramins, Max and Nick Whittle, Samantha and Grant Kaufmann; and one sister-in-law: Donna Reinthaler, Sheboygan. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was also preceded in death by one brother-in-law: Richard Reinthaler; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Nick and Isabel Jost.

Cremation has taken place at All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc, and funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N. 14th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Ben Johnson.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, Manitowoc, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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