Michael "Waterhead" Bonakowski

Michael 'Waterhead' Bonakowski passed away peacefully surrounded by his big family on December 10th, 2023 at the age of 66. Beloved son of the late Elmer Bonakowski and the late Elizabeth Bonakowski nee Williams; father of Michael, April, Jill, Erie and his four-legged best friend, Goofy; devoted brother of Al, Sue, Bob, Kathy and Dennis; loving grandfather to eleven grandkids and uncle to many nieces and nephews; garage mechanic to all. It is with a mix of laughter and tears that we announce the passing of Michael 'Waterhead' Bonakowski, a man who wore sweatpants like a badge of honor, spoke in a symphony of expletives, and embraced the title of 'everyone's favorite asshole'. Waterhead lived life unapologetically. Born on June 10th of 1957, Michael was a man of many titles, but 'Waterhead' was the one he carried with pride. Despite his fondness for salty language and a readiness to throw down, Michael's heart was as big as his personality. His love for working on cars was more than a hobby; it was a calling. Michael had a knack for turning wrenches and bringing life back into engines, even if his methods were allegedly questionable. His sweatpants, stained with the evidence of countless hours spent under car hoods, became a symbol of his mechanical expertise. A loyal companion to Michael on this wild ride of life was his cherished dog, Goofy. The bond between man and dog was as unconventional as Michael himself, and many will recall the sight of him, shouting his favorite command to Goofy: 'Bite that ass!' Waterhead was a man who never shied away from a fight, whether with a stubborn engine or a worthy adversary. His sarcastic wit and inclination for shit-talking endeared him to friends and earned him a reputation that will be recounted with both laughter and exasperation. A true lover of speed, Michael found solace in the roar of race cars, a passion that fueled his fighting spirit until the very end and earned him the infamous nickname, Waterhead. He faced life's challenges with the same determination and tenacity that he brought to the racetrack. In Waterhead's world, the word 'fuck' wasn't just a curse; it was a versatile tool of expression, a linguistic masterpiece. His favorite word echoed through the garage, the racetrack, and every colorful conversation he shared with his big family and large circle of friends. A celebration of Michael's life will take place on December 16th at McInerney Central Chapel Funeral & Cremation, 4635 S Wallace St, Chicago, IL 60609. Friends and family are invited to share stories of his legendary exploits, his love for cars, and the unforgettable moments punctuated by his favorite word, you know, the 'f' word. Visitation is going to be 3 pm until 8 pm with a small service at 6 pm. Rest in peace, Michael 'Waterhead' Bonakowski. May your engines always purr, your sweatpants forever be stained with grease, and your spirit continue to rev through the great race of the afterlife.
Please visit Michael 'Waterhead' Bonakowski book of memories. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit http://WWW.CHAPELC.COM or FACEBOOK.COM/FUNERALMC. For information 773 268-0703 or 773 581-9000.