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Eugene “Gene” Bonnes, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on July 10, 2026, in New Richmond, WI. Gene was born on March 29, 1937, in Baldwin, WI, where he spent his childhood on a farm and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1955. He later attended Technical college, earning a degree in mechanical drafting, a skill that would serve him well throughout his life.
On June 15, 1957, Gene married the love of his life, Mary Van Someren. Together, they shared a wonderful journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Gene started his career at Boeing in Seattle before moving to Eau Claire to work for Presto. In March 1961, he joined Doboy Packaging, where he dedicated 40 years of his life, beginning in service and moving up to sales and international sales. He was able to fulfill his passion for flying by also being the company pilot. One of his fondest memories was being assigned to England, where he lived for six months just before his retirement in 2001.
After a fulfilling career, Gene and Mary enjoyed 19 winters in sunny Arizona, soaking up the warmth and making lasting memories. As well as traveling many miles on their Honda motorcycle and they loved dancing as often as possible. For the past four years, they called Deerfield home, where Gene continued to be a pillar of his community. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church and the Masonic Lodge #195, and he loved spending time with the Road Runners and the Shrine. An avid trap shooter, Gene was a proud member of the New Richmond and Amery Gun Club and enjoyed many summer days at their Bear Trap Lake cabin. Gene was so proud of his two children and he loved spending time with family. Gene cherished all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing any of their events.
Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Mary; daughter Tammy (Daren) Powers; son Greg (Trish) Bonnes; and grandchildren Melissa (Matt) Severson, Brady (Lauren) Powers, Jackson (Claire) Bonnes, Tyra (Jesse) Rickard, and Ava (Tyler) Larson. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Makara Severson, Nora Powers, Henry and Arthur Rickard, and Noah and Elina Bonnes. Gene held a special place in his heart for his close nephew, Rodney Bonnes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Evelyn Bonnes, and his brother, Duane Bonnes.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to First Lutheran Church or the Shriners Children’s Hospitals.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2 PM at First Lutheran Church located at 218 County Road K in New Richmond. A Masonic service will begin at 11:30 AM, followed by public visitation from 12 PM to 2 PM at the church. After the services, everyone is invited to attend a reception celebrating Gene’s life from 3 PM to 7 PM at Parallel 45 in New Richmond.
Click here to watch Gene’s memorial service live at 2 pm
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
4 Comments
Tammy, Darin, & Family,
Sending my most sincere condolences to you all.
I had the privilege of traveling internationally with Gene on several occasions, and many years, including multiple trips throughout Asia. Some of those journeys involved 16-hour flights, constant time zone changes, long days, and late nights. Travel like that can test anyone’s patience.
There was no one better to travel with than Gene. He never complained—about anything. No matter the circumstances, he remained positive, patient, and grateful. He was a caring, hardworking, intelligent, and genuinely kind man whose quiet strength made every trip more enjoyable.
Whenever he flew he would dip the plane’s wing on takeoff as a nod to his love, Mary.
I will always treasure those memories and feel fortunate to have him as a work college for many years. Rest in Peace. He will be deeply missed.
What a wonderful man! So enjoyed having him as our Rustic Ridge neighbor and the many conversations sharing his travels, political views, neighboring happenings and many other topics that he was so knowledgeable of. His positivity, wiseness and gentle ways will he missed. It was a blessing to have known him.
I am so sorry and sad to hear this news. Gene had an enormous impact on my life both personally and professionally. Gene hired me in 1983 and was a terrific mentor over many years. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss. Gene hiring me got me into the packaging machinery industry where I spent the next 35 years of my career. Because of Gene, I got to work with and become friends with many terrific people both at Doboy and at our customers. Gene had a good sense of humor and could always see the positive side of challenging situations. I offer my condolences to Gene’s family. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by everyone that knew him.
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