Butch T. Bonkowski

Heaven’s gain was our loss as we sadly announce the passing of Butch  “Jerome T.”  Bonkowski, Thursday, October 25, 2018 from his battle with cancer.

Butch was born in Toledo, February 13, 1933, to Zigmund and Theresa (Szalkowski) Bonkowski.  He graduated from Burnham High School in 1951.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan.  Following his service, he was an active member of Joseph W. Diehn American Legion Post 468    Sylvania and was a member of the Color Guard for many years.

In 1957 he married the love of his life, Barbara Border and they enjoyed raising their family in Sylvania, OH.

Widely known and loved by many throughout the area, he founded Bonkowski Supply, a trucking company located in Sylvania.  He owned and operated the business over 50 years and was affectionately known as “The Mayor of Silica”.

Butch was an avid bowler, golfer and football fan, and was actively involved with harness horse racing, having owned a few “Pacers” of his own.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Barbara, daughters, Vikki (Mikal) Marshall, Beth (Bob) Schaller, son David (Patty) Bonkowski, grandson, Benjamín Schaller, granddaughters, Christy (Jase) Cox and Abby (Jimmy) Jagodzinski, 3 great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Elaine Bonkowski and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brother John.

Following Butch’s wishes, there will be no funeral services, however an open house celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Rossford Lanes, from 12:30 – 4:30 P.M.

To those who knew him, raise a Miller High Life in his honor.

We know he will continue to watch over us.

Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Butch T. Bonkowski, please visit our floral store.