Earl C. Bonjour, 94, formerly of Onaga, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Eskridge Care and Rehabilitation Center, where he had lived since 1991.
He was born April 6, 1931 in the home at 220 DeGraw Street in Onaga, the son of Chester Lee and Harriett Grob Bonjour.
Earl attended school in Onaga until sometime during his 8th grade year, when he had a minor surgery and never returned to school.
Earl was a farmer and a stockman. He worked his family's land on the East side of Onaga pretty much from the time he was born until health problems in 1991. Earl bred and raised hogs and cattle mainly, but had horses, sheep and chickens because he felt a farm should have them. He grew wheat and soy beans, and also alfalfa and corn for feed.
Due to health problems Earl moved to Eskridge Care Center in 1991. He was active around the facility helping with any chores he could or just walking around the outside of the building. Eskridge basically became his second family in the 34 years he lived there. Earl was kind and helpful to everyone. We are thankful that members of his Eskridge family were at his bedside at 4:00 a.m. when he passed.
My brothers and I feel very blessed that Earl allowed us to experience a small taste of farm life, gathering eggs, watering hogs, putting up hay, walking fence and fishing/bankline. He also made sure we had time with our Grob cousins and the O'Roke family.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Onaga.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Henry and Carol Gentry.
Survivors include his nieces and nephews, Edward Ray Gentry, Donald Walter “Chip” Gentry, Larry Lee Gentry, Penny Henry and Steven Henry.
Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 30th at the Onaga Cemetery. A register book will be available to sign at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga.
