Bob Bonnett

Bob Bonnett, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, with his wife and sons by his side.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. Brittney Clauson Semrow will officiate. Visitation will be held at Roseberry’s Funeral Home on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be private and will be at the Davis Corners Cemetery, Town of Jackson, Adams County, Wisconsin.

Bob’s story is one of a life well lived. Born on March 9, 1940 to Bernard and Agatha Bonnett, he was raised to be kind and hard-working on the family farm in the Town of Jackson.

On June 16, 1962, Bob married Eleanor Roller and celebrated 62 years of devoted marriage. Together, they welcomed sons Cory and Aaron into their life. Bob was a father with an unwavering commitment to his children.

When Bob was just 30 years old, he lost most of his right hand to a corn combine. He never saw this as a disability or a reason to stop working. In fact, he continued to be employed as an electrician, working with his non-dominant hand, and continued farming.

As a young family, the Bonnetts set off on an adventure out west. Bob and his father-in-law worked for the National Park Service, which allowed them to spend several years living in both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks. When they returned to Wisconsin, Bob worked for the US government and then for a contracted electrician at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

Once again in 2009, life tested Bob’s resilience. While moving some round bales with his brother John, he was crushed by a bale that fell from the top of a pile. He broke his pelvis and back and endured a complex surgery in the same hospital where his first grandchild would be born three weeks later.

Baby Jackson then helped Bob recover at home and from that point on, Bob’s role as Grandpa became one of the happiest and most cherished of his life. He welcomed Bella a few years later. He would always joke with her and tell her she was his favorite granddaughter (his only granddaughter) and spent the rest of his life enjoying time with his grandchildren, caring for them and watching their school activities and sports.

Besides farming, Bob’s favorite pastime was sports. An avid Packers, Badgers and Brewers fan, his eyes would always light up when talking about “The Crew”. He also loved basketball, which became a big part of his life. He traveled across the state and country following Aaron’s high school and college basketball teams, and one of the highlights of his sports spectating career was witnessing two national championships with his son on the coaching staff.

Bob was also a lover of music and was so proud of his son Cory as he watched him become a talented musician and guitar player.

Together, Bob and Eleanor shared many happy times. They loved to go dancing, spending time with their friends in Wisconsin and Iowa. They enjoyed camping and travel and cultivated many friendships along the way that they maintained throughout their life. Bob was an active member of the New Hope Christian Church.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Eleanor; his sons, Cory and Aaron; daughter-in-law, Tania; and grandchildren, Jackson and Bella. He was preceded in death by all three of his siblings, Anna Wampler, Bernard and John Bonnett; his parents, Bernard and Agatha Bonnett; and his own beloved grandfather, Abe Bonnett.

If you would like to honor Bob‘s memory, in lieu of flowers please do so by donating to the Gundersen Memorial Healthcare Foundation or Adams County 4H through the Adams County UW Extension Office.

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Condolences

  1. Mary Hendrickson says:

    Eleanor,
    Sorry to read of Bob passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Karl Weinner, Mary Hendrickson

  2. Paul and Patty Ochtrup says:

    Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family.

  3. Kathleen M Challoner says:

    So sorry for your loss Eleanor and family.

  4. Cindy Babcock says:

    My condolences to the family.

  5. Todd and Sherry Schad says:

    Eleanor, Cory and Aaron,
    I am very sad to hear of the passing of “Uncle Bob”. He was a wonderful person that always put other’s first. I will remember many rides up to Minnesota with him while we “ride shared” up to Fort Snelling to save money on gas while I was in school. He was always quick with a smile and so very proud of his family. Hold on to all of those wonderful memories of a life lived to its fullest!

  6. Mark & Peggy Williams Bond says:

    Sorry for your family’s loss. Sincere condolences

  7. Patrick Pare says:

    Eleanor, Aaron, & Corey
    Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Bob was such a kind and gentle soul, visiting with him. Such a wonderful example for anyone to follow as a husband, father, grandfather, and a kind human being.
    RIP Bob!
    Pat, Ethan, & Morgan Pare

  8. Jason and Cathy Hammond says:

    Our deepest and most heart felt condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with all of Bob’s family and friends.

  9. Jim Gately says:

    My condolences and prayers for Bob and his family. Jim Gately

  10. Marge Edwards says:

    Condolences to your family,

  11. Don & Anita Genrich says:

    Eleanor, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Great life story, Thank you for sharing. Don & Anita

  12. Robin and Nick Hiller says:

    Aaron and family, please accept our condolences on Bob’s passing. It sounds like he had a wonderful, productive life! Please know you are in our thoughts.

  13. Cathy Rathermel says:

    Eleanor and family, my heart aches for you. I didn’t know Bob very well, but I knew some of his family. They are all such wonderful people that he had to be a great man. Sending hugs and prayers. God Bless

  14. Dick and Marj Colby says:

    So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Cherish all the memories of your times together.

  15. Laurie Schroeder says:

    Eleanor and Family,
    Sending hugs to you.
    So sorry for your loss.
    Laurie Schroeder

  16. Dennis&Judy Allen says:

    Eleanor and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Let all of the wonderful memories help you at this difficult time. Bob made friends so easily, he was such a nice person, I first met him when we were neighbors in Easton and he was dating you. He is still watching over you all. RIP Bob. Dennis&Judy

  17. Monica Arndt says:

    My condolences.

  18. David and Mary Kettleson says:

    Eleanor and family so sorry for your loss!!!Sending prayers and hugs!!!

  19. Shirley Theisen and family says:

    Sincere condolences from our family to yours. May it be of some small comfort to know others understand and care.

  20. Amber and Steve Priem says:

    A wonderful testament to a life in service. May you all find peace as he suffers no longer. Our condolences and prayers go out to all that miss him.

  21. Michael T Clark says:

    So sorry for your family’s loss….

  22. Michelle says:

    Deepest condolences for your loss and heartbreak.

  23. Tristan Swenson says:

    So sorry to hear this news—deepest sympathies to family and friends of the family.

  24. Joe Cavaliere & David Roosa says:

    What a wonderful testament to a life well lived. So sorry to hear of your loss.

  25. Patty & Mark Bula says:

    Our condolences to the Bonnet family.

  26. Coral Smith says:

    My sympathy to all the Bonnett family.

  27. Richard and Carolyn brandon says:

    Sorry for your loss he was a great person Carolyn and I were part of his and Eleanor’s Yosemite family!🙏❤️😢😘

  28. Barb Presley says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you! So many great memories made that you will carry for a lifetime!

  29. Terry L Moore (Lanke) says:

    Bonnet family…..condolences for your loss….what a well lived life he had!!!! Cherish all those precious memories..

  30. Robert Quinnell says:

    Thoughts and Prayers to the Family.

  31. Randy and Patrice Minick says:

    We’re deeply sorry for your loss of your Father, praying for your family at this difficult time.

  32. Frank and Pat Kierstyn says:

    A good man who will be missed by many…he lived a full life.

  33. Jennifer Armstrong says:

    Aunt Eleanor, Aaron, Cory and family, I am sorry for your loss. Uncle Bob was a good man. Wish I got to spend more time with the family. Love you all. Remember all of the good times.

  34. TC and Mark Rogers says:

    What a beautiful obituary – truly expresses a life well lived! Our sincere condolences to all.

  35. Gerorge(BoB) & betty Dixon says:

    Elenore , Aaron Cory,
    Sorry for your Loss Of your Husband ,
    Sorry Aaron & Cory, for your Loss of your Father.
    God has him in his Arms and Holding him till you all meet him one Day .
    Bob will be Lisseing too Music he Liked,
    Bob will be waiting for you Elenore too go Dancing again .
    Bob will be Missed By All of his Friends But he will be in all of our Hearts .
    Bob was a Good Dad and Grandpa for Jackson , & Bella. Amen

  36. Jack Bennett says:

    Patriarch of a terrific family. Son Aaron was an invaluable part of our run at UWSP. Their entire family shared in our National Championsips. Bob knew how toughness, dedication and selflessness are keys to success. He and Eleanor shared those invaluable traits with their family. God Bless you and your entire family, Aaron.
    Coach & family

  37. Gary & Carlette Machan says:

    Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Bob will be so missed. May your cherished memories be of comfort. With love & deepest sympathy, Gary & Carlette

  38. Doug and Linda Donley says:

    So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the family.

  39. Rick and Brianna Carlson says:

    Our condolences and so sorry for your loss

  40. Mary & Ross Moore says:

    Elenor and family we are so sorry to hear of Bob passing. Sending prayers and sincere condolences.

  41. Bob and Janis Cada says:

    Bonnett family: “Gone from our sight but never from our hearts”. We hope you feel surrounded by much love. We are thinking of you during these difficult times. May our condolences bring you comfort and may our prayers ease the pain of your loss…

  42. Sandra Reinke says:

    I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. May the family find peace in their memories.

  43. Julie and Bob Goodhue says:

    We are sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eleanor and family at this sad time. May your memories of good times spent together sustain you in the days ahead.

  44. Christina and Kevin Duren says:

    So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  45. Jodi Helgeson and Jim Grabarski says:

    So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Thinking of you all during this time.

  46. Christine Bade says:

    So sorry for your loss.. thoughts and prayers with you and your family throughout this hard time.

  47. Judith V. Bieri says:

    Bonnett Family, So sorry to read about Bob’s passing, I thought he was doing better. Always enjoyed our talks at the Town Assoc. mtgs. Remember all your special trips and good times. God Bless

  48. Bob and Alet Grabarski says:

    Eleanor, Aaron, Corey and families
    Our sympathy to you all. Bob was a friend and neighbor as well as a colleague in the farming community. I have known the Bonnets my entire life, including showing cattle at the local fair and have appreciated them as friends. After a life well lived, RIP Bob

  49. Tonya Dye says:

    Cory and Aaron sorry for your loss

  50. Peg Lecy says:

    Eleanor and family I’m so sorry on your loss
    May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time

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