Charles (Chuck) Bonnefoi, age 83, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at his home.
He was born March 25, 1942 in Manitowoc, second son of the late Henry A.J. and Mildred L. (Groll) Bonnefoi and second grandson of the late Henry J. and Lillie (Baetke) Bonnefoi and the late Frederick B. and Octavia (Buerstatte) Groll. He graduated from Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, with the class of 1960 and married Lois Kahrs on May 9, 1964 in Two Rivers. The couple celebrated their 61st anniversary in May 2025. He has been a life-long resident of Manitowoc.
He was employed in 1960 at Hamilton Manufacturing Company, Product Engineering Department as a draftsman. In 1965 he was employed at Imperial Eastman Company, Product Engineering Department, in various capacities, retiring in 2002.
He is survived by his wife, Lois, and seven children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; son, Thomas Bonnefoi (special friend Jacque Ross), of Manitowoc; daughter, Catherine Strandberg (special friend Brad Williams), of Stevensville, Montana, granddaughter, Cailin (Garry) Grantham and great-grandchildren, Delaney, Alana, and Arlo Grantham, of Kalispell, Montana; daughter, Christine (Jon) Ackley, granddaughter, Erin Kozlowski and great-grandsons Kade and Dallas Kozlowski, of Manitowoc; daughter, Caroline (Michael) Ledvina, of Manitowoc, and granddaughter, Stephanie (Michael) Street, of Sturgeon Bay, WI; daughter, Corrine (Brian) Klein of Two Rivers, and grandsons, PFC Ryan Broehm of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Casey Broehm of Reedsville, WI; son, Timothy (Rebecca) Bonnefoi, of Manitowoc, and grandchildren, Alyssa, of Rockwood, WI, Brady and Tanner Bonnefoi, of Manitowoc; and son, Anthony Bonnefoi (Kathryn Kwiatkowski), of Manitowoc. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Louis (Marlene) Kahrs, sister-in-law, Leah Wavrunek, and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Bonnefoi, his sister, Jeanne Bonnefoi Lynch, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Stella (Brin) Kahrs, and two brothers-in-law, Rev. Lee Kahrs, and Allen Wavrunek.
Chuck was baptized and confirmed in the Wesley Methodist Church, Manitowoc. As a member of Wesley, he was a choir member, usher, and served on the official board. As a young man, he was a member of the Order of DeMolay and served a term as Master Councilor and was awarded the Chevalier Degree. Chuck was also a life member of the Manitowoc County Historical Society, serving on the Board of Directors in various capacities. He was also a member of the Manitowoc Marine Museum, serving on the Board of Directors and as President for the 1977-1978 term.
Being a car enthusiast, Chuck was a member of the ’56-’57 Lincoln Registry, The Road Race Lincoln Register, and the Lincoln Continental Owners Club. Through the years, his various older Lincolns were a common sight at car shows around the state.
Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a Life Celebration Social will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Chuck will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc, on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Manitowoc Police Department and Manitowoc EMS/First Responders for the care and compassion they had shown to Chuck and his family.
