Walter Bruce "Wally" Bonnett

Walter Bruce “Wally” Bonnett passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026.

Wally was born on November 23, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bruce and Laura (Sunde) Bonnett. He grew up in West Allis, Wisconsin, alongside his two sisters, Diane (Sardella) and Joy (Buyatt). He graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1966.

Wally proudly served his country in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force with the 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base. He was honorably discharged on April 24, 1975.

He earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business Data Processing from Milwaukee Technical College in 1969. After returning home from military service, he continued his education and graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Wally met and fell in love with Carolyn “Lyn” (Shallow), and they were married on September 1, 1973. Together, they built a loving family and raised two daughters, Lindsay and Denise (Lorge), in Racine, Wisconsin.

He worked as a large-loss insurance adjuster, a career that reflected his dedication and strong work ethic. Working from home, he traveled extensively to help people rebuild their lives after disasters. Along the way, he formed lasting relationships with colleagues.

Wally was a proud and active member of American Legion Post 219, where he advocated for fellow veterans and gave back to his community. He helped host the annual Christmas party, distributing gifts to children, and played a role in organizing the summer corn roast.

A devoted father, Wally took great pride in supporting his daughters in all their activities. Family was at the center of his life. He cherished vacations to Long Island, New York, to visit his sister and her family, as well as time spent in Rio, Wisconsin, with extended family on the farm where he had worked as a boy. There, they rode horses, went cross-country skiing, and enjoyed games late into the night.

An avid golfer, Wally found great joy on the course and in the company of friends. In retirement, he and Lyn spent winters in Orlando, Florida, enjoying the warm weather and golf. They also shared many cruises and trips abroad with family and friends.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Laura, and his sister, Diane Sardella. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lyn; his daughters, Lindsay and Denise (Scott); his grandchildren, Paige and Levi; his sister, Joy (Larry); and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Wally will be remembered for his deep devotion to his family, his honorable service to his country, and the many meaningful friendships he built throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation to honor and celebrate Wally’s life will be held on April 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Greenridge Chapel, located at 4747 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, WI 53220. A memorial service will follow at 10:30 AM.

Burial will take place later that day at 3:00 PM at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, WI 53182.