Gerald L. Bonno

Gerald “Bun” L. Bonno, age 88, of Iron River, MI, passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, April 13, 2019 of apparent cardiac arrest with his loving family by his side.  He was born on December 14, 1930 in Gladstone, MI, the son of the late Dalor Joseph and Armosa Marie (Groleau) Bonno. He attended the Gladstone Schools, graduating in 1948.  Bun then served in the U.S. Air Force, receiving the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star.  He was honorably discharged on August 16, 1951.  Bun married Rose Marie “Dolly” Nieuwenkamp on February 5, 1954 in Gladstone, MI.  The couple then made their home in Iron River.  They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.  Upon graduating from the State Police Academy, he was employed as a Michigan State Trooper for 23 years.  Bun was awarded two bravery awards while at the Iron River Post.  He was very highly respected and an admired police officer.  After retiring from the State Police, he started his upholstery shop. He was a founder of the State of Michigan Troopers Association and a former member of the Iron River Elks Lodge 1671.  Bun loved antique cars and collected old telephones and Marble Arms memorabilia.  He loved people and enjoyed telling jokes and stories and making people laugh.  Bun was very talented and could make anything, build anything, and fix everything. He loved sitting by the bon fire and just talking and enjoying the outdoors.  He loved animals and all the poodles and labs he shared his life with.  Bun enjoyed the spending time with his children, taking side-by-side rides with his daughter, Lois and attending car shows with his two sons, Doug and Jeff.  Bun is survived by his wife, Dolly; sons, Doug (Darla) Bonno and Jeff (Nancy) Bonno, both of Iron River; daughter, Lois Bonno of Iron River; extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his best friend and brother, Earl and brothers, Vern and Jim Bonno. Honoring his wishes, there will be no services. The family is grateful to all the wonderful caring police officers and emergency response people that did everything they could possibly do to help him.  Bun will always be remembered as the best and most honorable husband and father and for always doing the right thing for his family and everyone. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald L. Bonno, please visit our flower store.