Michael J. Bonner

1940 - 2022

Michael J. Bonner
August 17, 1940 - December 30, 2022
Elk Grove, California - Michael ("Mike") J. Bonner, a resident of Elk Grove, California passed away on December 30, 2022. Mike was born on August 17, 1940, in Spokane Washington to Donna and Patrick Bonner. He attended Gonzaga Preparatory School, where he enjoyed playing sports. Mike joined the Navy in 1958. He obtained Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees in civil engineering from Sacramento State University in California. He continued his service to the nation as a civil engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). He had a lengthy storied career with USACE working military projects, civil works/water resources projects and flooding emergency disaster response activities. He was a superb supervisory engineer, coaching and mentoring many engineers and other staff. Mike was also a civil engineer for the State of California with the Department of Water Resources.
Mike was a caring father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandson. Mike was the truest of friends. His kindness and generosity touched hearts, while his keen intellect and love of books enhanced minds. His jovial laugh and wonderful sense of humor provided merriment. His love of travel inspired, and he possessed boundless enthusiasm for shared adventure, whether it was skiing, mountaineering, hiking, biking, diving or any other sport he pursued. His enjoyment of fine cuisine with wine or beer was legendary. He was a hero to all who knew him because of his dedication and devotion to his family, friends and co-workers.
Mike was preceded in death by his daughter Sheryl (Alex) Lombardo, his parents, his stepfather Al Shephard, and brothers Ken Shephard, Larry (Joan) Shephard, and Paul (Kathy Cowan) Shephard. Mike is survived by his son Chris Bonner, daughter Karen (Phillip) Wood, granddaughter Lauren (Ryan) Hammond, great-grandson Cooper Hammond, grandson Joseph Wood, granddaughter Alexa (Chris Reinsch) Lombardo-Reinsch, grandson Anthony Lombardo, brother Patrick Bonner, and sisters Donna (Tony) Tschirky, Nina Shephard, and Susan Tindell, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.
In memory of Mike, please consider donating to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org), or the California Sierra Club (https://www.sierraclub.org/california).