James Bonkoski

James "Jim" Bonkoski 95, Wausau, formerly of Marathon, died Monday, June 26, 2006 under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born May 7, 1911 in Montello, son of the late Edwin and Anna (Hauck) Bonkoski. On September 6, 1937, he married Irene Seliger at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives. Jim farmed in the Marathon area for 24 years, and retired from Marathon Cheese Corp. after 11 A½ years of employment. Among his many interests, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, working in the Ginseng gardens and spending time with his family, especially his six great grandsons. Survivors include, his wife, Irene, Wausau, formerly of Marathon; one daughter, Beverly (Herbert) Meyer, Marathon; five grandchildren, Monica (Steve) Michlig, Edgar, Maxine (Jim) Abt, Ringle, Bernard Meyer, Minnesota, Connie (Greg Allers) Meyer, Minnesota and Leann (Terry) Lemmer, Mosinee; six great grandsons, Dakota Michlig, Joshua Abt, Dylan Ellwanger, Tyler, Kyle and Cody Lemmer; and one sister, Helen (Bill) Wirsbinski, North Carolina. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Mark Meyer; and eight siblings, Edwin, Frank, Glen, Donald, John, Harry, Fern and Beatrice. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2006 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com