Robert L. ‘Bob’ Bonini

He was born July 29, 1952, in Hancock, a son of the late Ambrose and Olga (Kangas) Bonini, and was a 1971 graduate of the Hancock Central High School.

After graduating, Bob completed an auto body trade course at Northern Michigan University.

On May 8, 1976, he was married to the former Kathy Phillippi at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range.

Bob was employed for a time at Evert’s Motors in Hancock, and also worked for various construction companies in the local area. He then worked for 25 years for the Village of South Range, retiring as director. At the end of every shift, Bob looked forward to socializing with the guys after work.

Bob was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church of South Range. He loved being in the outdoors, whether it was spending time with family and friends at his camp in the Huron Mountains or canoeing down the Sturgeon River. He enjoyed tinkering with snowmobiles or whatever needed to be fixed. He was very generous to others, always willing to lend a helping hand, never saying no to anyone who asked for his help. For many years, Bob and Kathy enjoyed going to sporting banquets, supporting Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and Whitetales Unlimited.

Bob’s pride and joy was his grandson, Bennett, spending time playing around with him. Bob will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Kathy of Baltic; sons, Brad of Baltic and Cody (Bobbi Jo) of South Range; his grandson, Bennett; his siblings, Maryann (Walter) Anderson, Caroline (Harry) Erkkila, George (Rosalie) Bonini, Rosemarie (Paul) Hermanson, Barbara Rickard, Patricia (William) Carbine, Michael (Robin) Bonini and Lorraine Bonini; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Phillippi; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends. Besides his parents, Bob was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ambrose (Patricia) and Anthony; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orlando and Priscilla Phillippi; two nephews, Paul Michael Hermanson and Rob Allen; and a niece, Shelley Hietala.

Bob’s family would like to thank Portage Hospice and Dr. McConnon for the wonderful care and comfort given to Bob.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range, with Fr. John Martignon to officiate. Complete arrangements will be announced by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.