Dale John Bonnema

Birth date: Mar 11, 1945 Death date: Jun 16, 2019

Dale John Bonnema, age 74, of Spring Lake passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019, at American House in Spring Lake. He was born March 11, 1945, in Kalamazoo, MI to Nick John and Alice (VanderLugt) Bonnema, and married Katherine Ann “Ka Read Obituary

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Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Spring Lake Chapel

213 East Savidge, Spring Lake MI 49456

(616) 842-6100

Catherine Anderson

354w ago

Dear Kay,
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dale. I remember him coming down the hall each day at school with such enthusiasm and a spring in his step a big smile on his face. He was always to fun to visit with and found so much humor in so many conversations. The students really loved him and his desire to teach students to be successful was so sincere. He will be very much missed by all. I hope each day you can peace and comfort knowing so many people thought the world of Dale!!
Blessings
Cathy Campbell Anderson (former SL Comm Ed)

Ronald Mass

355w ago

When I think of Dale, a smile comes on my face. He was always upbeat, humorous, and full of energy. He is the one that introduced me to computers and patiently instructed me the basics on what to do with one. He was very patient with me and my second grade students. I extend my condolences and deepest sympathy to his family.
Mary Jane Mass

Suzanne Moynihan

355w ago

Dale was definitely one of my favorite people to work with at SLPS. He was always so easy to be around, with his wonderful sense of humor and upbeat outlook on life. What a great guy. Please accept my condolences on your family's loss, Sue Moynihan

Therese

355w ago

Kay..sorry to read about your husband passing....sending you and family prayers..take care.

Therese Harden

Dan Westhoff

355w ago

Very sad to see the passing of one of my favorite teachers. I will always remember him from the following, which is copied from a list of quotes that I have experienced and collected over the years:

“Now we’re playing games, and when we play games, you lose.” One of my high school science teachers, Dale Bonnema, used to say this whenever a student tried to negotiate something that was outside of the planned arrangements, such as a last second due date extension or a test retake. As the teacher, he could make the rules in his classroom, and was not swayed but anyone’s tale of woe. I ran into Mr. Bonnema many years later, when he was teaching computer skills at the elementary school that our children attended. I asked him if he still used the line above. He laughed, shook his head, and said that it didn’t work with second-graders, for it would make them cry.

Rest in peace, my brother.

Dan Westhoff
Spring Lake, MI

Jana Reenders

355w ago

I am so sorry for your loss and so very sad to hear of the passing of our beloved teacher from SLHS.
Mr. Bonnema made science fun and interesting. I loved anatomy and physiology because of him!! Several class of ‘81 alumnus were just talking about Mr: Bonnema the other day planning to invite him and some of our other favorite teachers to our next reunion.
Rest In Peace “Bonnema” you will be missed 😞...you were one of a kind!

Laurie Draeger

355w ago

I am so sad to hear of Dale's passing. We worked together at SLPS for a long time. He was just great with kids. I loved his positive outlook, his sense of humor, and his laugh. I will miss him and send you my deepest sympathy.
Laurie Draeger

Bern Lewis

355w ago

Kay and family, we are so sorry to learn of Dale’s passing. Our sincere sympathies to all of you. Please know you are in our prayers.
Grace and Peace,
Les and Bern Lewis

CARED FOR BY

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Spring Lake Chapel

213 East Savidge, Spring Lake MI 49456

(616) 842-6100

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