Mr. John E. Bonogofsky, 80, passed away at WFH-All Saints on Wednesday, August 3, 2011.

He was born in Brisbane, ND on June 26, 1931, the son of Jacob and Agnes (nee: Brown) Bonogofsky.  On June 23, 1960, he married Kathleen Mae Nail. She preceded him in death in 1996.

Mr. Bonogofsky proudly and faithfully served his nation with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 – 1953. After the war he dedicated his life to being a husband, father, grandfather, and companion.  He also served as a loyal employee and engraver for Fred Knapp Engraving, retiring after a 50 year career.

He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 9948, the Korean War Veterans Chapter 227 and the Marine Corps League.  In addition to showing his patriotism, Mr. Bonogofsky enjoyed vegetable gardening and watching and attending Brewers and Packers games.  However, he was happiest when in the presence of his family, especially when watching his grandchildren at their sporting events.

Mr. Bonogofsky is survived by his children, Camille (Mike) Pace of Sturtevant, Deanna Bonogofsky of Plantersville, MS., John J. (Julie) Bonogofsky of Kenosha; his grandchildren, Donovan J. Pace of Sturtevant, Daleana Hill and Trey Hill of Plantersville, MS, Aaron and Matthew, Barbara Bonogofsky; his loving and faithful companion, Helen Wolfe of Sturtevant and her family; his sisters and brothers, Sarah Welch and Rosemary Gartner of Racine, alex Bonogofsky of Kenosha, Edward Bonogofsky of North Carolina, Regina Schafs of Montana and Bonnie Javernick of Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.   In addition to his dear wife, Kathleen, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Dustin Michael Pace; his brothers, Vincent and Reinhold Bonogofsky and his sister, Emma Dietz.

Family and friends are invited to meet at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. for a service celebrating John's life with Pastor Jeff Butler officiating.  There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Monday evening from 4-6 p.m.   His burial will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park on Tuesday morning with military honors.  Those wishing to attend may meet at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. and follow in procession to the cemetery.

The Bonogofsky family extends a warmhearted thank you to the South Shore Fire Department, all of his doctors and nurses at Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Medical Center as well as locally in Racine County for the professional care administered to their father during his illness.  Finally, they wish to thank Helen for her tireless and loving care she provided him over the years.