John J. Bons

John Bons, age 78, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness. John was born in The Netherlands on March 9, 1931, son of the late Henry and Marie (Gietman) Bons. He was educated in The Netherlands, and was a talented draftsman and carpenter there. On April 28, 1956, he married the former Marcella “Sally” Traxler at St. John Church in Little Chute. For some forty years, John worked at Kimberly Clark's Lakeview Plant as a mechanic and head tradesman. There he had earned many idea awards.

John was a very creative and intelligent man who enjoyed metal crafting and woodworking. He certainly was a master putzer. He could usually be found in the garage, putzing around with one thing or another, perhaps building a birdhouse. His family and friends fondly remember him as the founder of Habitat for Birds, as hundreds of his birdhouses have been given away as gifts and to support local charities. John's birdhouses can be found hanging in trees through out the country. John also volunteered over the years at St. Joseph's Food Pantry and the Little Chute Senior Citizens. He enjoyed golf, traveling with Sally, the outdoors, gardening, and spending time in the woods with his grandchildren. At every family birthday, he treated everyone to a wonderful rendition of “Happy Birthday” on his harmonica. He and Sally played games daily; sometimes cards, sometimes board games, but they always kept track of who the winner was! John had a great sense of humor, and enjoyed sharing his corny jokes with family and friends and he never tired of playing the “missing thumb” trick with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years: Sally Bons of Combined Locks; three daughters: Amber (Rick) Barrett of Appleton; Lori (Jim) Eslinger of Darboy; and Linda (Scott) Dorschner of Suamico; five grandchildren: Lance Ward, Jessica Dorschner, Stephanie Dorschner, Heather (Rob) Enigl, and Tarah Eslinger; a step-grandson: Luke Barrett; two brothers: Bill (Rosa) Bons of Kaukauna and Jacob (Priscilla) Bons of Arizona; three sisters; Betty Kelderman of Kimberly; Dorothy Vander Maazen of Appleton; and Anna (John) Schultz of Feliticy, Ohio; two sisters-in-law: Ardine Bons of Kaukauna and Vivian Bons of Arizona. John is also survived by Sally's brothers and sisters: Marion (Don) Schweda, Vivian Bons, Anthony (Pat) Traxler, and Joe (Barb) Traxler. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son John in 1972, sisters: Mary (Jacob) Raetts and Coby (Ted) Kokke; brothers: Hank Bons and Peter Bons; and brothers-in-law: Jacob Kelderman and Bill Vander Maazen.

The funeral liturgy for John will be held at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 E. Wallace Street in Combined Locks with Fr. Jim Lucas officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 PM until the time of the service.

John will be remembered by all as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Usually he had smile on his face that made you think that he knew something you didn't! John truly loved people, had an incredible zest for life, and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the many family and friends for all of their love and support. In addition, a special thank you to the wonderful people at Appleton Medical Center, Dr. Joyce Bauer, Shopko Pharmacy, and Theda Care At Home for their compassionate care. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-788-6202