Richard Bonack

Richard “Dick” Bonack, age 91, passed away on October 20, 2025 at the Christian Home in Waupun, Wisconsin. Dick was born on May 19, 1934, the son of Edgar and Alma Hoard Bonack. Dick spent his formative years on the family farm in Leroy, where he fostered his love for life’s simple pleasures. He graduated from St. Andrew’s Catholic School.

He dedicated an impressive 46 years of his life working at Grande Cheese Company, beginning at the age of 19. He was one of a handful of employees at the start of the company working side by side with the owner, Filippo Candela, in the early years. While at Grande Cheese, he specialized in the craftsmanship of hand-molded Italian cheese. He served as a teacher and mentor to many. While at Grande, he created countless friendships that truly lasted his entire life.

On June 25, 1960 he married the love of his life, Judy Lang; they were married for 57 years.. They moved to Waupun and started a family, raising three beautiful children. When not working to provide for his family, Dick spent his time gardening, watching and talking Packers, Brewers, Cubs, and Bucks; cooking and baking. His specialties were the thousands of cutout cookies he and Judy would make and disperse for Christmas, the homemade pizzas to feed the growing family, and his famous “farmer style eggs” that his family loved to devour. He was a little league baseball coach for a number of years.

Dick loved reminiscing on his younger years, filling the room with stories of the family farm, baseball with friends, nights out dancing in Kekoskee, and the early days at Grande Cheese. He loved talking about the extended family life on the farm in Leroy. He was a devoted husband, showing his love in the unwavering care he provided to Judy through her health challenges. He valued family above all else, always reminding us to “be good to one another.”

Richard is survived by his children: Tim (Zoe) Bonack, Laurie (Todd) Reilly, and Jeff (Julie) Bonack; six grandchildren: Troy (Alison) Reilly, Leah (Josh) Knights, Bryan Bonack, Kristi Bonack, Kayla (Mason) Domask, and Kelli (A.J.) Peters; five great-grandchildren (Evan, Olivia, Emma, William, Maia); his siblings: Dewey (Joanne) Bonack and Dolores Mayer; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife Judy; and his dear parents, Edgar and Alma.

To know him was to love him, and if you knew him, you are one of the lucky ones. Lucky because only those who knew Dick can share in the understanding of his indescribable nature. It's not possible to put into words the feeling that only Dick could give other people whose life he graced. His kind gentleness was his greatest power; his steadiness for those who relied on him was unshakable. His fatherly catchphrases like "watch the car behind the car in front of you" are hardwired in the minds of his loved ones. He described a blessing in his life as "having a good family" on his 90th birthday, and explained that "it all came true."

Visitation will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28 at Werner Harmsen Funeral Home. A prayer service will follow at 11 a.m. A private family burial will occur at St. Andrew’s Church Cemetery in Leroy.

We are deeply grateful for the love and support provided to him during his time at the Homestead II and under the care of the SSM Hospice Team with Denise’s leadership. His legacy will continue in the family he loved, the friendships he nurtured, and the example he set of goodwill and “gracious living.”

Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are assisting the family.