Obituary of William John Bonert

PETERSBURG, IOWA William J. “Bill” Bonert, 77, of New Vienna and formerly of Petersburg died Sunday, August 21, 2016, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester following a short illness. Friends may call from 2-8 pm Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 2 pm. Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 am Thursday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, August 25, 2016, at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg with burial in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 137. Rev. John O’Connor will officiate and Rev. Dennis Quint will concelebrate. Bill was born March 20, 1939, in Dyersville, Iowa the son of Anthony and Anastasia (Arens) Bonert. He served in the Army National Guard from 1959 - 1961. He married Mary Ann Steger on June 1, 1961, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Colesburg. Together they farmed in the Petersburg area until they semi-retired and moved to New Vienna in 2014. He enjoyed going to farm sales, playing cards, spending time on the farm with his sons and grandchildren. He was a simple farmer who loved visiting with anyone who had time. He was known for his special wink and the way he turned his hat sideways. Survivors include his wife Mary Ann, 2 sons: John (Colleen) and Dave (Lynn) Bonert, all of Petersburg; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Bonert of Petersburg; 9 grandchildren: Kristi (Cory) Donlon, Kelli and Jacob Bonert, Jenna, Amber, Erin and Derek Bonert, Brandon and Kayla Bonert; his siblings: Bob (Lori) Bonert of Dyersville, Sr. Bertha Bonert, OSF, of Dubuque, Jim (Pat) Bonert of Dyersville and LuAnn (Larry) Willenborg of Petersburg; in-laws: Lillian Wessels of Dubuque, Bob (Lillian) Steger and Rosemary (Marv) Nickol, both of Dyersville, Pat (Margie) Steger and Chuck (Carol) Steger, both of Colesburg. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Arnold and Gertrude Steger, a son, Ron, a brother, Paul, and brothers-in-law, Jim Wessels and John Steger. Memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.