Ken Arnold Bonge

Ken was born on March 16, 1937, to George and Edna (Mitchell) Bonge in Sherman, Nebraska. Soon after, the family moved to a farm outside Orchard, NE. Ken attended Orchard High School where he participated in football, basketball, and baseball, starting his lifelong love for sports. He also participated in a small band where he played the trumpet. He graduated from Orchard High in 1954, following that he continued his education in college earning himself a associate degree in business.

After college, Ken moved to Washington state where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ken joined the Air National Guard in 1957. While in Washington, he met and married Elsie DeVault in 1958 with the marriage ending in 1982. The family returned to Nebraska in 1959, settling in Lincoln. Still enjoying sports, Ken discovered the joy of golf and bowling, winning multiple tournaments and trophies. While still enjoying fishing, he found new hobbies in painting, antiques, and woodworking. Ken took much pleasure in keeping his yard beautiful.

Ken met LuJean Norland while participating in a painting class and was instantly smitten with her. They married in May of 1990. Together they enjoyed vacationing in Branson, spending time with their grandchildren, and having monthly lunches with their friends and co-workers. Ken retired in 1991 from the National Guard after a 34 year career, retiring with the rank of E-8 Master Sergeant.

Ken was a very loving dad, husband, and grand “Paw”. He was preceded in death by his wife LuJean and his parents. Ken is survived by his daughters Tammy Goodwin and Robin Bonge; stepchildren Genny (Rick Ylauan) Klein and Tim Norland; grandchildren Michael, Luke (Ani), Holly (Max Achen), and Christian Goodwin; Dylan and Brandon (Trulee Hokanson) Klein; great grandchild Theo Goodwin and his brother Robert (Denise) Bonge, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Ken will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. The family wishes memorials to Nebraska American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. For more information go to www.lincolnfh.com