Mass of Christian Burial was held June 17 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore, Iowa. The Rev. Matthew Solyntjes officiated. Interment was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Whittemore.
Henry W. Bonnstetter, son of Joseph and Marie (Ulrich) Bonnstetter, was born July 12, 1945 in Whittemore, Iowa. He began his education at St. Michael’s Catholic School and completed high school at Bishop Garrigan in Algona.
On Nov. 6, 1963 Henry was inducted into the United States Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Stribling and was honorably discharged on Feb. 25, 1966.
Henry was united in marriage to Carol Montag on June 21, 1966 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in West Bend, Iowa. They were blessed with four children.
Henry worked at the West Bend Creamery and also at AMPI in Whittemore. He also farmed near Whittemore and Rodman before opening J.T. Body Shop in Cylinder in 1970. His quality workmanship, sense of humor and quick wit will be missed by anyone that had the opportunity to work with Henry. He was proud of his community and was always willing to do anything for the betterment of Cylinder. He served on the Town Council before becoming Mayor in 1974. He remained in this capacity for twenty years and was known as the “Purple Mayor”, always wearing his favorite color. Henry served on the Cylinder Fire Department and was a member of the Lions Club. He was awarded the “Good People” Award in 1985 and served on the Board of the Auto Body Program at Iowa Lakes Community College. Henry was instrumental in establishing the Hunter Safety Program for young people and was an instructor for over twenty years.
Henry was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore.
Henry enjoyed trap shooting, hunting and fishing. He looked forward to snowmobiling with his family and friends and helped establish the area snowmobiling club and secure a groomer for the trails. Henry collected cars and loved all things PURPLE. What Henry enjoyed most was spending time at “the pond” near Whittemore. Many wonderful memories were made with his children and grandchildren while staying at the pond.
Henry passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie; a sister in infancy, Delores; a brother, Ronnie; and a son, Keith.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of Cylinder; his children, Kent (Sarah) Bonnstetter of Cylinder, Kurt (Sara Bonnstetter of Cylinder, and Kim (Craig) Berhow of Belmond, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Marsha Bonnstetter of Davenport, Iowa; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild (on the way); his sister, Patricia Lane (Tom Bogart) of Reedville, Virginia; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Henry had a love for life that he enjoyed sharing with anyone that he was around. There could never be too much fun or too many jokes told. When things needed done, he was the guy to step up to the task. He was a legend to all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.
Arrangements made by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
