CHESTER STEVEN BONKOWSKI

CHESTER STEVEN BONKOWSKI Chester Steven Bonkowski, 87, of Devore, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Taft High School, he immediately joined the United States Coast Guard and served in the Atlantic Ocean and the dog patrol guarding the eastern seaboar d during World War II. He moved to California with his family in 1950. He lived briefly in Fontana and Muscoy prior to moving to his current address in Devore for the past 47 years. He worked for General Telephone Company as a heavy equipment mechanic before his retirement in 1986. He was married to his devoted wife, Dolores Mae, for 63 years before her passing last year. He was a union steward for CWA Local 9573 for many years, a Coast Guard Combat Association member, and life time member of VFW. In his younger years, he was a volunteer fireman and played Santa Claus for several organizations. Bonkowski is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Hansen (Norman) of Yuba City; son, Chet Bonkowski (Julie) of Hesperia; and a sister, Gloria Wahlen of Concord, MI. Other survivors include grandchildren, Jill (John) Wilhelm, Ginger (Brett) Harlow, Kristi Bonkowski, Brian (Yolanda) Bonkowski, and Gina (Luke) Dauter; great grandchildren, Kevin Wilhelm, J.D. Wilhelm, Corey Wilhelm, Anabelle Bonkowski, Kazmir Bonkowski, an d Mirella Dauter. He was preceded in death by his grandchild, Amy Bonkowski, and great grandchild, Liv Lillian Harlow. Funeral Services will be held at Stanley L. Dickey Mortuary, Fontana, on Friday, May 7, with Visitation from 9 A.M. - 11 A.M., and Chapel Service at 11 A.M. followed by a luncheon with his family and friends at Ralph Broiles VFW Post 6563, 9190 Fontana Ave. A Private Burial will be held on May 10, at Riverside National Cemetery. Dickey Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Ralph Broiles VFW Post 6563 in Chester Bonkowski's name.