On June 2nd 2024, Robert Henry Bonner of Lake Leelanau MI. passed away with family by his side. Robert was born on June 27th 1933 and was the son of Patrick and Rose (Boyle) Bonner.
Robert was the middle child in a family of three children, pre-deceased by older brother John (and spouse Georgie) and sister, Mary E. Antrum (spouse Ronald E. Antrum).
Robert lived on their family farm in St. James Michigan (Beaver Island) until age 17. He worked at Detroit area tool shops until in 1954 he enlisted in the US Army and was in the 350th infantry, mountaineering ski patrol and stationed at Camp Roeder, Salzburg Austria. Following his military service Robert was a working student and graduated from Lawrence Technological University with an Electrical Engineering Degree and then he earned his MBA from Western Michigan University. Robert married Rosella Bussey (predeceased, 1994) from Lake Leelanau and is survived by three children: Bruce Bonner of Colorado Springs, CO. (Grandchildren -Sara Hill, Maggie Majors, and Samuel) ; Cameron and Brenda Bonner of Ann Arbor, MI. (Grandchildren - Kaelan and Avelyn); Christine Bonner and Zahrreddin Alsheikhtaha of Lyndhurst, OH. (Grandchild Lillie); and (Greatgrandchildren Oonagh, Lincoln, Holden and Frances).
Most of Robert’s professional career was spent as President and Partner of Schneider & Company -Lansing MI. and involved supplying assembly, automation and Inspection equipment to manufacturing companies throughout the US. Robert retired in 2009 at age 75 and spent 11 wonderful years between homes on Good Harbor Bay - Lake Leelanau MI. and Cocoa Beach FL. with partner Nancy Asmus (pre-deceased, 2019) of Cocoa Beach FL.
Nature inspired Robert. Leisure time was spent walking in forests, skiing at Sugarloaf, and swimming in Lake Michigan. Accompanied by relatives and friends, many experiences and memories are shared. The family will be having a friends and family gathering at Roberts home on Good Harbor Bay in July to celebrate his life followed by a burial service the following day for the immediate family. Please keep Robert and his family in your prayers and in lieu of flowers the Family prefers direct donations to St. Mary’s School of Lake Leelanau.
