Name: Visitation
Start: 2025-05-20T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-05-20T18:30:00.000Z
Location: Smits Funeral Home

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So many special memories, or families were very close before i came along.
I was so lucky to spend many summers a few weeks at a time and became part of the Bonnema family at least for the time I was visiting.
So many dinners aunt Martha cooked, but especially the grace that was said before each meal.
I have been truly blessed to have spent so much time over the past several years with uncle rich , when ever I needed to talk to him I knew where to go.
To my step brothers...

Chuck Vanderberg

May 19, 2025 | Kalamazoo, MI | Family

Your in my thoughts and prayers.

JOYCE Garbacz

May 19, 2025 | CHICAGO, IL, IL | Significant_other

It was wonderful to see him each time we visited mom. I smile when I remember him telling me to go get his phone when it rang. Our prayers are with you all.

Ken and Linda Weidenaar

May 15, 2025 | New Lenox, IL | Friend

Sending our love and deepest sympathy to all of you. Your mom and dad were always so special to Jerry and I, as well as my mom (Betty Smit). We have SO MANY memories of time spent with them and the rest of "the group" of special couples from Calvary. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Much Love Always!

Becky Plantinga

May 15, 2025 | Kouts, IN | Friend

Uncle Rich was very dedicated to his Lord, Wife and family. He was also one of the most fun uncles. He showed Caitlyn and I so much genuine love when we joined the family. May he rest in peace and rejoice in his continued journey.

Michelle Noorlag

May 15, 2025 | Darien, IL | Family

Richard's Obituary

Richard M. Bonnema, age 95, of Beecher, IL, went home to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Martha Bonnema, nee Schoonveld. Devoted father of Donald (Nancy) Bonnema, Sandy Bonnema, Marge Bonnema, and John (Eileen) Bonnema. Proud grandfather of Christine (Mark) Alexander, Karen (Derrick) Schimming, Danielle (Vance) Venhuizen, Jaclene Bonnema, and Kylie (Ryan) Barnes; Great-grandfather of Sierra and Misty Vorrier, Addison and Spencer Schimming, Judah, Ezra, Marijke, Silas, and Zion Venhuizen, Esther and Delilah Barnes. Dear brother of the late William (late Ruth) Bonnema. Kind uncle of several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Martin and Jennie Bonnema. Rich was a proud United States Army Veteran. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Visitation Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6:30 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30& Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery – Oak Lawn, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Honor Flight Chicago (www.honorflightchicago.org).

For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com

Richard M. Bonnema

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Richard's Obituary