Eugene Bernard Bonkiewicz

Eugene ("Gene”) B. Bonkiewicz, 96, a longtime resident of Greeley, CO, entered into eternal life on September 28, 2019 after an extended illness. Gene was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Gloria (Peetz) Bonkiewicz. Gene was a proud and accomplished member of the Greatest Generation. He was born in North Loup, NE, in 1923, and spent his early years on the family farm. As a Navy carrier pilot during World War II, Gene participated in the flyover of the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay in 1945. After the war, Gene farmed with his brothers south of Sidney, NE, until he began a highly successful career in banking. His banking career started in Sidney, and included stops in Chadron, NE, Cheyenne, WY, and Fort Morgan, CO, and culminated as a bank president in LaSalle, CO. After banking, Gene began a second career as a highly respected investment advisor. In his spare time, Gene was an accomplished woodworker. Over the years, he crafted numerous original and unique items for his children, his ever-growing number of grandchildren, and extended family members and friends. Gene was also active in the Greeley "T-Bone” club, Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club. He also was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. In his spare time, he always enjoyed playing cards with his poker buddies. Gene is survived by his four children and their spouses: Dianne (daughter) and Terry Moran of Dublin, OH; Michael (son) and Debra Bonkiewicz of Greeley, CO; Leesa (daughter) and Tommy Anthony of Fort Worth, TX; and Daniel (son) and Christi Bonkiewicz of Frisco, TX; as well as his ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, October 10 with rosary at 7 p.m., both at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Gene’s honor at St. Mary Catholic Church in Greeley on Friday, October 11, at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the family plot in Sidney, NE, on Saturday, October 12. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gene’s memory can be made to: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 12221 Merit Drive, Suite 1950, Dallas, TX 75251. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.