Willis W. Bonow

Willis Wayne Bonow, 72 of Lewiston, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.Willis was born April 3, 1941 in Lewiston to Arnold and Hilma (Burfeind) Bonow. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1959. On September 29, 1962, Willis married Karen Eggert at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Winona. They made their home in Lewiston. Willis served in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division from 1963 - 1965, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Willis was a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. Following retirement, he was very involved in his community and church; driving bus for the Lewiston Schools and delivering Meals on Wheels. He was Past Commander of the Lewiston American Legion and a longtime member. In 2004, Willis helped start the Lewiston Chapter of the Sons of the American Legion. He was a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings and a longtime season ticket holder. Willis was an avid pool player, enjoyed golf, making wine and his John Deer Tractor. He was always busy, whether puttering around the house or helping others, he was always doing something.He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Tracy Eric of Lewiston; daughter, Dana (Gary) Baer of Fremont; three grandchildren, Allison Baer and Dylan Baer, both of Winona and Jake Baer of Fremont; mother, Hilma of Lewiston; two brothers, Charles (Sandra) Bonow of Lewiston and Steven Bonow of Stevensville, TX; two sisters, Marilyn Wachholz of Lewiston and Janice (John) Meilander of Rochester; sister-in-law, Sandi Bonow of Lewiston and many nieces and nephews.Willis was preceded in death by his father, Arnold; brother, Richard; brother-in-law, Wayne Wachholz and infant nephew, Scott Bonow.Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2014 at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Reverend Michael A. Lindemann and Reverend M. John Dermé officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the Lewiston American Legion. Visitation will be 4 -7 p.m., Friday at church and one hour prior to the service.Please share a memory of Willis, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/468416