Merle Clifford Bonter's Obituary
Mr. Merle Clifford Bonter, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. He was born in Ravenna on April 27, 1929 to Clifford and Viola (Patterson) Bonter. Merle was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He was self employed as a builder for over 40 years prior to his retirement. Merle was a member of the American Legion Post #297 and the Lakeshore Woodcarvers Group. He was a hard working and talented craftsman. From building and operating a sawmill with his family, dedicating over 40 years in the construction business, to carving intricate sculptures, Merle did these things with honesty and integrity. He enjoyed camping, deer hunting, and spending time with his family. On December 16, 1950, Merle married the former Mary J. Gillespie in Conklin and she survives him along with their four children, Les (Cathy) Bonter, Linda (Larry) Coon, Brian (Cindy) Bonter, and Laura (Lee) Simpson; ten grandchildren, Keith (Gina) Crowley, Michelle (Rick) Coon, Nicky (Jason) Temple, Samantha (Andrew) Snoeyink, Trevor Robinson, Melissa Robinson, Andrew (Nicole) Bonter, Ashley Bonter, Austin (Samantha) Bonter, and Mike Pawson; eight great-grandchildren, Justin (Elizabeth) Crowley-Coburn, Jesse Coon, Eli Snoeyink, Isabelle Temple, Donnie Temple, Lucy Snoeyink, Kaiya Smith, and Brianna Pawson; sister, Shirley (Lee) Thurston and sister-in-law, Lorraine Bonter. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elery and Elden Bonter; and sister-in-law, Jean Bonter. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Merle will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, November 19, 2022 at The American Legion Post #297 (3590 Conklin St., Ravenna, MI 49451). VISITATION with his family will be one hour prior to his service. MEMORIALS in memory of Merle may be directed to The American Legion Post #297 or the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Arrangements by The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451. You may sign Merle’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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