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Obituaries » Robert "Bob" Bonnema
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A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church, 9316 Oakland Dr. Portage, MI 49024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at the church on Thursday, January 15, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM. Bob will be laid to rest privately at Portage Central Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and love to Centrica Care Navigators and Dr. Mirza for the love and care given during Bob’s final days. Memorial contributions may be given to Kalamazoo Christian School or Prairie Edge Church, c/o the funeral home.
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Robert “Bob” Bonnema, age 75, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kalamazoo on July 18, 1950, the son of John and Katherine (Ritsema) Bonnema. To know Bob was to love him. He was a kind, loving and generous man whose faith served as the foundation of his life. He was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo and on November 5, 1971, married his high school love, Beth L. VanderKolk. Together they raised two sons and made a great impact on the lives of those around them. Bob believed in working hard for all things. He took great pride and passion in running his family business Bonnema Masonry Construction. An honest businessman, he developed many longstanding relationships with several area contractors through the years. He also took great pride in passing down his skill, knowledge and ethics to his sons. When not working he found ways to serve those around him. He served as an elder and deacon at Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church where he was a lifetime member. His smile and welcoming handshake will be missed on Sunday mornings. He served on the schoolboard for Kalamazoo Christian Schools and brought his love of sports to many youths as a little league coach. Bob valued time and took memorable trips to Aruba and spent many summer nights boating and watching sunsets from his condo in South Haven. Above all Bob’s greatest love was his family. He was an immensely proud grandfather who enjoyed watching all of the grandchildren play sports and he rarely missed an important moment in their lives. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Beth Bonnema; two sons, Jason (Mandy) Bonnema, Brent (Candace) Bonnema; grandchildren; Jordyn, Jake, Chase, Cole, Brooks Bonnema; mother, Katherine Bonnema; siblings, Don (Toni) Bonnema, Laurie (Dennis) Mulder, Joan (Tom) Brussee; many extended family and friends. He was preceded in passing by his father, John Bonnema.
