Roger Franklin Bonk

1944 - 2023

Roger Franklin Bonk
June 9, 1944 - February 13, 2023
Madera, California - Roger Franklin Bonk passed away February 13, 2023, in Clovis, California. Roger was born June 9, 1944, in Montevideo, Minnesota, the son of Frank and Ellen (Petrick) Bonk. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holloway and confirmed at Fairfield Lutheran Church. He grew up in a farming family with his seven sisters and attended grade school in Danvers and rural District 57. Roger graduated from Appleton High School, class of 1962. He was a gifted athlete who was selected All-State football, wrestling, and track in his senior year. Roger played middle linebacker for the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, graduating in 1966 with a business degree. While attending the university, Roger was honored by being named a Little All American and was later inducted into the university's Hall of Fame. He went on to play professional football for two seasons in the Canadian Football League for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Upon completion of his football career, Roger moved to California where he managed the hardware department for Sears and helped start a swimming pool business, Pool Kingdom in Clovis which he owned and operated for over 40 years. He continued to be an avid fan of college and professional football and coached youth football for a time. Fishing, golfing, and owning Enduro race cars were among his interests.
Roger is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, infant sister Ruthanne, niece Lara, his special uncle David Bonk and many other relatives and friends.
Roger is survived by his children Amanda and Michael, grandchildren Paige, Hailey, Brooklyn, and Jaxson and sisters Carol (Bill) Korn, Eunice (John) Voorhees, Donna Nelson, Connie Duncan, Linda (Bob) Maughan, Janet (Gregg) Pederson and Marilyn (David) Garcia plus nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a large network of relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held on April 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Fresno. An announcement will be forthcoming for Roger's Celebration of Life planned this summer in Minnesota. Memorials may be sent to the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation.