Bert L. Bonner

MADISON – Bert L. “Bert” Bonner, age 89, passed away on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 after a short illness. He was born Oct. 17, 1924 in Madison, the son of Lester and Mildred Bonner. He attended a country school, Highlands-Mendota Beach, and was graduated from West High School in 1942, joined the army in 1943 serving in the Pacific Theatre in the 85th signal battalion attached to the Air Corps. Bert married the love of his life, Virginia (Welke) on Dec. 20, 1947. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Business School in 1950 he worked for the next five years as a district rep for Standard Oil. Bert turned down Standard Oil’s offer of a promotion because he wanted to live and raise his children in Madison. What came next set the course for his life’s work as an entrepreneur, creating jobs for others. Bert’s first venture was Skylane Standard Service Station, a full service gas station, which he expanded to include camping trailers and tires. Situated at corner of Highways 51, 151 and East Washington Avenue, he met a number of famous people, including John Glenn and Elvis. With self-service gas stations coming of age, in 1968 he set his sights on a new franchise called Insty-Prints, not knowing he was the first franchisee. Bert grew the business to 7 locations in Madison, 2 in Green Bay and 1 in Appleton. He helped grow the franchise by inviting new franchisees to Madison to mentor them in the business operations. When he retired, Bert sold the stores to those who had successfully managed them for so many years, resulting in the next generation of entrepreneurs. His other entrepreneurial enterprises included a tanning salon and in his retirement, a remote control business. Bert was a humble man who valued his family above all else, then education and helping others achieve their goals. His life was filled with music and dance. He sang in a Barbershop Quartet and played the piano, organ and ukulele. His gift to all of us was his optimistic view of life, his wonderful sense of humor, and his terrific smile. He was known as the happy whistler. His favorite escape from the working world was his boat where he spent many an hour whistling while he worked. Bert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia; three children, Steve (Kathy) of Austin, Texas, David of West Hollywood, Calif., and Vikki (John) Brueggeman of Stoughton; grandchildren, Patrick (Shelly) and Joseph O’Malley, and Jason and Stephanie Bonner; step-grandchildren, Andrew (Mauri) Brueggeman, Ron, Jeff (Heather) and David McManamy; great-grandchildren, Raegan and Eliza Brueggeman; sisters, Marion (Ramon) Castro of San Diego, Calif., and Karin (Art) Williams of Santee, Calif.; nephews, Tim and Mark Williams; a special cousin, Dorothy Gierach of Orland Park, Ill.; and other nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Bert’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, with the Rev. Sandy Schieble presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Please share your memories at www.gundersonfh.com. The family is deeply grateful to Meriter-Wisconsin Heart and the caring staff at Meriter Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bonner Native American Scholarship Fund at Northland College (1411 Ellis Ave., Ashland, WI 54806) or the Meriter Foundation Scholarship Fund. When you plant seeds in the lives of others And water them with Love and Care, You will reap a harvest of sweet memories That will follow you everywhere. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420