Rodger E. Bonesteel, age 92 of Mondovi, died on Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Home Place, Mondovi. He was born on September 16, 1925 in Wabeno, WI, the son of Archie and Maud (Davis) Bonesteel.
Rodger honorable served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946, during World War II. He was an Aviation Machinist's Mate, 3rd Class USNR. Rodger was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal. He married Mary Josephine Werlein on November 19, 1946 in Mondovi and 4 children were born from this union. Mary passed away on January 24, 1975. Rodger later married Gladys Werlein (Berger) on June 2, 1976 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mondovi. He worked as a welder/mechanic, starting in 1946 and retiring in 1993. Rodger was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Rodger will be sadly missed by his wife, Gladys; children, Robert (Polly) Bonesteel of Mondovi, Bonnie (Ken) Komro of Wenatchee, WA and Rodney (Laurie) Bonesteel of Eau Claire; stepchildren, David (Barb) Werlein of Durand, Cheryl (Ray) Risler of Mondovi, Daniel (Julia) Werlein of Eleva, Lucinda "Cindy" Black (special friend, Steve Lane) of Mondovi, Mark (Shari) Werlein of Durand and Marie Meader of Wabasha, MN; sons-in-law, Tom Rzepiejewski of Eau Claire and Pete Johnson of Arkansas; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary Josephine Werlein; daughter, Carolee Rzepiejewski; infant son Michael; infant grandson Darrin Bonesteel; stepdaughter, Barbara Johnson; stepson, Robert "Bobby" Werlein; son-in-law, Jim Black and brother, Ray Bonesteel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mondovi on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 11:00 am with Father Paul Bosco presiding. Burial to immediately follow at the parish cemetery. A visitation will be held at Talbot Family Funeral Homes on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 pm and then again at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass.