John R. Bondgien

John R. Bondgien 69, Wausau, died Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Saint Clare's Hospital, Weston. He was born January 25, 1939 in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, son of the late Nickolas and Marie (Sand) Bondgien. On August 20, 1966 he married Barbara Pacholski in Franklin, Wisconsin. She survives. John served his country in the Army National Guard for 33 years and was a member of The Retired Enlisted Association. Before his retirement he worked as a carpenter at both Wausau Homes and Kolbe and Kolbe, Wausau. Some of his hobbies included hunting, fishing, traveling, gardening and cooking. He was always around to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends and was always fixing things for his grandkids. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his wife, Barbara, Wausau; son, Nicholas (Elizabeth) Bondgien, Medford; daughters, Jeanette (Shawn) Weidenhoeft, Wausau and Victoria (Tom) Rainville, Wausau; 11 grandchildren, Andrea, Erick, Joe, Jacob, Sarah, Casey, John, Eva, Ethan, Claudia and Andrew; sister, Delores (Ivan) Dibblee, Malta, Mont.; and his special dog, Buddy. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Arvie and Gerald; and one sister, Eva. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. The Rev. Gerald Pehler O.F.M. Cap. will preside. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Medford. Friends may call Tuesday from 5 - 8 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Onitilo and all the staff at the Marshfield Clinic Cancer Center and Saint Clare's Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com