Alan "Al" Bonlender

Alan "Al" Bonlender, age 70, of Slinger, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 26, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Al was born on December 27, 1954, in West Bend, WI, to Marvin and Rosemary (née Wiedmeyer) Bonlender. He graduated from Slinger High School in 1973 and was united in marriage to Barbara Strupp on October 29, 1977.
A skilled carpenter by trade, Al dedicated over 38 years to his craft. He spent countless hours remodeling and improving his home and his children's homes, always ready with his tools and ideas on how to make things better. After retiring, he found joy in woodworking, creating many cherished pieces for his wife, children and grandchildren.
Al had a deep love for the outdoors and all things motorsports. He was a lifelong racing fan who especially loved watching races, especially the vintage races at Road America. He took many road trips with his wife and their friends in their Corvette. Al took great pride in his lawn, mastering the perfect checkerboard stripes that was once featured in a Simplicity catalog. He cherished all four seasons with family and friends in northern Wisconsin and the UP- snowmobiling in the winter, boating in the summer and enjoying the vibrant scenery in the fall.
Family was everything to Al. He was a devoted husband, proud father, and deeply loving grandfather who made sure his family was always cared for. He had gratitude for life's simple pleasures, especially time spent with loved ones, which was evident in everything he did.
Al is survived by his loving wife Barb; cherished children Jeremy (Tina) Pfeifer, Angie (Mark) Schmitt, Mike (Sara) Bonlender; grandchildren Mason, Conor, Luke, Claire, Kendell (Kyle) Toth, Blake, Brock and Diesel; mother Rosemary; siblings Sandy (Paul) Held, Lee Bonlender, Robin (Kim) Bonlender, Jane (Scooter) Laufer, Lynn (Doug) Riesop, Tom (Jeanne) Bonlender; many dear nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin; mother-in-law, Marilyn Strupp; sister-in-law, Kathy Wagner; and other dear relatives and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church (4886 State Rd 175, Hartford, WI 53027). The family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 3:00 p.m., until the start of Mass at 5:30 p.m.