Joseph J. Bonin

Joseph J. Bonin, 83, Athens, left this earth May 17, 2014. He was born February 16, 1931, in Schnappsville to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Matysik) Bonin. Joe grew up in Schnappsville and spent time living with his brother Leo in Athens as he attended Athens High School. During his high school years he learned how to cut meat with his father. He graduated in 1949. Joe served his country from January 1952 until January 1954 in the United State Army during the Korean War. He served his fellow countrymen as a cook and took this talent with him for many years to come. In June 1954, Joe took over the operation of the Bonin Locker Plant & Store. He met and married Irene Kropidlowski on September 2, 1957 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Irene and Joe worked together in the business until 1988 when it was closed and Joe went to work for McDonalds in Wausau as a custodian. He then worked for Conagra Veal & Beef Plant, Edgar and Pinters in Dorchester. He then decided to retire and enjoy life. Joe enjoyed gambling, church picnics, polka music and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his two daughters, Gail (Gary) Wendtland, Patti (David) Berndt; one son, Joe Bonin; four grandchildren, Derek (Crystal) Wendtland, Brad (Sandy) Wendtland, Meranda Berndt and Devan Berndt; five great-grandchildren, Damion, Dakota, Madilyn, Spencer and Elliana. He is further survived by a sister, Rita Bonin. Besides his parents and loving wife, Irene, he was preceded in death by brothers, Leo, Leonard and Eugene and sisters, Anne, Mayme, Sylvia, Marcie, Delores, Phyllis and Betty. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev. Robert Streveler will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a parish prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Edgar funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff of Benedictine Living Community, Wausau, for their loving care of dad in the past few weeks. He became their "social butterfly". Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com