Robert Bongers

Robert Peter Bongers (Bob) - Age 98, entered into eternal life with Jesus surrounded by his loving family, Clark, Patti and Cindy. Bob was born in Little Chute on Sept. 29, 1923, to the late Martin and Antonette (Van Domelen) Bongers. He married the love of his life, Rosemary Schampers, in 1947 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Little Chute. Rosemary preceded Bob in death on Aug. 31, 1994, after 47 years of marriage to “My Rosemary” as he referred to her. He was a lifetime resident of Little Chute. Bob graduated from Little Chute High School and took courses while in the military at the University of Chicago. Bob is a WWII veteran, having served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Casatot and the U.S.S. Teton. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters and was a qualified Shellback. His spare time on the ship was spent machining artwork from spent brass shells of various sizes, which he would share with his shipmates. His ship was docked in Yokohama, Japan, during the ceremonial signing of the surrender documents, in the presence of General MacArthur. Bob was involved with the American Legion Auxiliary, Little Chute Post 258 for over 65 years. In September 2012, Bob was very proud to be escorted by Dr. Chris Berkers on the Old Glory Honor Flight. After 43-1/2 years of service at Thilmany Pulp and Paper Mill in Kaukauna, Bob retired to enjoy their cottage in Crandon, WI on Lake Metonga. He and Rose enjoyed fishing with family and friends and playing cribbage and cards. He also enjoyed feeding the ducks, who sometimes ate corn right from his hands. The maximum ducks he counted during one visit was 104. As soon as he drove into the driveway, they would fly in and wait to be fed. In his later years, many of his great, great, nieces and nephews would visit to feed the ducks with him, and visit his famous worm farm. “Uncle Bob” was always happy to share, and enjoyed the little ones. He also generously shared his time helping out the Outagamie County Nutrition Program, and the Crandon meal program for many years, along with volunteering for various area youth groups. Bob started riding a stationary bike in the 1980’s to keep in shape after having heart issues, where he logged 14,000+ miles at his home, and 6,000+ miles at his cottage. He rode 6 miles a day; 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening, but cutting down to 3 miles a day after turning 97 years old! Bob had a knack for inventing and fixing things. His mind was always churning to find better ways to rig something. He redesigned and perfected his dock to easily install, his boat lift, his crab traps, his tool to clean crabs for bait, the light to automatically turn on when you opened the closet door, a power can crusher … to name just a few. Bob also created jigs for stainless steel hangers and cribbage boards for a class he taught. His bird houses were loved by the wrens. He has very handy at working with both metal and wood. Bob so enjoyed his “Culture Corner” lifelong friends who met at McDonald’s in Kaukauna for many years. Bob was always cheerful, even when hurting, and loved company stopping by his home for a visit. When asked how he was doing, his answer was “Peachy Keen.” His many neighbors and friends helped him in his later years. A special thanks to Steve and Judy Rutten who would check in on him every day, did his grocery shopping, and often provided transportation and food. In addition, special thanks to Jon and Karen Maas, Marilyn Coonen, Bonnie Golden, Tom and Jan Rutten, Ray Harvey, Jim Odekirk, visiting nurse Kathy and Nicole, Patti Bongers-DeGroot, and Cindy and Greg Mathe.  Each of these fine people touched Bob’s life and helped out in some special way. A special thanks to his good friend, Carl Hietpas for his many visits and bringing him holy Eucharist in his final days. Bob is survived by his son: Clark Bongers of Kaukauna, and grandson: Kyle Bongers, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. In addition to his loving wife: Rosemary, Bob was preceded in death by all of his siblings: Ed (Laverne) Bongers, Richard (Marie A.) Bongers, Ethel (Harry) Van Nuland, Clarence (Marie D.) Bongers, Ray (Therese) Bongers, Verona (Don) Olson, and Rosie (Bud) Apitz. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws: Angeline (Rutten) and Louis Schampers, along with his fishing buddy: Betty Asbach, and many other friends too numerous to mention. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 (TODAY), at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 411 Vandenbroek St., Little Chute, with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Full military honors will be performed after Mass by the American Legion Post #258. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. A memorial fund has been set up to support the Old Glory Honor Flight so that other veterans may be honored as he was.