William Carl Bonitz

William Carl Bonitz, age 96, of Greenwood, Indiana went to be with his Lord on January 11, 2025. He was born on April 2, 1928 in Mellen, Wisconsin to the late Carl Frederick Jr. and Martha Pauline (Busse) Bonitz. Bill was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mellen, Wisconsin. Bill graduated from Mellen High School. After high school, Bill attended Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in education. Many years later he attended Indiana Central where he obtained his Master’s Degree. Bill married Donna Hackman on August 14, 1955.

Bill was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was a Lutheran school teacher for 38 years. Bill started his teaching ministry in a one room school house and the last 30 years of his teaching ministry he taught at St. John Lutheran School in Indianapolis, Indiana. His greatest passion was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially with his students. Bill marveled at and was humbled by the memories each former student shared with him throughout his life.

Bill’s artistry included working with wood which began from his early vocation as a lumberjack. Bill admired the wood grain. In the wood grain, he could visualize what was hidden beneath and could be made. His resulting creations spanned from Christmas tree ornaments (first for his grandchildren) to cradles and furniture. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.

Bill is survived by his sons, Mark Bonitz of Indianapolis, IN and Timothy Bonitz of Lansdale, PA; grandchildren, Heather Zoderer of Indianapolis, IN, Carl Bonitz of Indianapolis, IN, Lisa (Matt) Hoffman of Indianapolis, IN, Evan Bonitz of Indianapolis, IN, Joel (fiancé, Cheri Walker-Owens) Bonitz of Indianapolis, IN, Jessica (Price) Lawrence of Laceys Spring, AL, Hope Bonitz of Florence, AL, Faith Bonitz of Florence, AL, Matthew Bonitz of Lansdale, PA and Elizabeth Bonitz of Lansdale, PA; great grandchildren, Dylan Bonitz, Landon Caruso, Dominic Hoffman, Asher Hoffman and Sharayah Hoffman all of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Martin "Pete" (the late Joyce) Bonitz of Columbia Falls, MT; sister, Lorraine "Susie" (the late Richard) Kerr of Coleman, WI and Kathryn (Bill) Chandler of Mellen, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in passing by his loving wife of 65 years, Donna Bonitz; parents, Carl and Martha Bonitz; son, David Bonitz; brother, Harold Bonitz; and sister-in-law, Marilyn (Orville) Hoene.

Visitation for Bill will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 6630 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203. A funeral service will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM also at St. John Lutheran Church, with additional visitation time beginning two hours prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery.

Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to St. John Lutheran School - Eagle Scholarship Fund, 6630 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46203, www.stjohnindy.org or Worship Anew-Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc., 5 Martin Luther Dr., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825, www.worshipanew.org.