Ronald L. Bonte, Sr.

Ronald Louis Bonte, age 82, of Hammond, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at the Baldwin Area Medical Center.

Ron was born September 12, 1932 in Glenwood City, Wisconsin to Axel and Jennie (DeCleene) Bonte. After school, he enlisted in the Air Force and served during 1951 to 1955 as a radio dispatcher in Anchorage Alaska. In 1956 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Pechacek. Their marriage would be blessed with five children: Brenda, Becky, Shelley, Ronnie, and Lisa.

He had fond memories of growing up on a farm with his 14 siblings and attending a one room school in Glenwood City, WI. Ron started his working career as a farmer. In 1973 Ron and Evelyn built a house in Hammond where he bought a semi truck and started driving over the road. Two years later he started driving fuel tankers for Erickson Oil. In 1978 he switch careers and became the police chief of Hammond, WI for ten years. After retiring from the police department, he drove truck for Schneider National, Roger Lindquist Farms, and Wally Shefland Trucking. He owned the Log Cabin Bar in Hammond and the Agate Inn in New Richmond. After finally retiring, he enjoyed watching sports, especially the Packers and Twins, and playing cards. He also liked spending time with his grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his children: Brenda (Bob) Johnson of New Richmond, WI, Becky Draper of Trego, WI, Shelley Bonte of Las Vegas, NV, Ronnie (Dine) Bonte of Hammond, WI, and Lisa Bonte Schultz of Hudson, WI; grandchildren: Jordan and Justin Johnson of New Richmond, Jonathan Bonte of Menasha, WI, Katelyn and Jake Bonte of Hammond, Travis, Allie, and Cassie Schultz of Hudson, WI; sister, Gloria Willert of Hammond; and special friend, Olga Stoffel of Woodville, WI.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Axel and Jennie (DeCleene); brothers: Ed, Don, Dick, Jerry, Ray, Len, Jim; sisters: Flo, Leona, Marg, Martha, Lu, and Mary Ann; and granddaughter, Amanda Jo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, May 11th at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1295 Ridgeway St, in Hammond, WI, with Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 10th from 5PM to 9PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, as well as one hour prior to the Mass at church on Monday morning.