Janet Marie Bonin, 64, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on February 4,2025,surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Janet fought with strength, determination, and grace, inspiring everyone who knew her. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, always putting the needs of her loved ones above her own.
Janet was born on January 24, 1961, to Jim “Fuzz” and Faye LaVarnway. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1979. On April 9, 1983, she married Bob Bonin, and together they had three children and were later blessed with four grandsons. Janet retired from the Clerk of Courts in 2022 after dedicating 42 years of service.
Janet’s greatest passion in life was caring for others. She never sought attention for herself but always celebrated and supported every member of her family. She cherished her role as a grandmother and found immense joy in spending time with her grandsons.
Janet is survived by husband: Bob Bonin; children: Ashley (Dan) Stroik, Kyle (Nicole) Bonin, Samantha (Austin) Van Steenburgh; grandchildren: Easton and Turner Bonin and Wesley and Zander Van Steenburgh; brother: James “Jimmy” LaVarnway Jr.; aunts: Jean Hinz (say like HEINZ, like the ketchup) and Sharon (Richard) Toth (with a long “O” like No); sisters-in-law: Jean (Wally) Kitzerow, Mary (Glenn) Hoffman, Vickie (Rob) Peaslee; nephews: Tom Kitzerow, Bill Kitzerow, Ryan (Stacy) Hoffman, Jason (Emily) Hoffman, and Andrew Hoffman. She is further survived by other relatives and friends. Janet is preceded in death by her parents: Jim “Fuzz” and Faye LaVarnway, aunts: Sister Loretta Jean Hanson, Belva Hanson, and Colleen (John) Schmidt and uncles: Robert (Pat) Hanson and Tom Hinz (say like HEINZ, like the ketchup).
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Janet’s life at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service at 5:00 p.m. After the service, drinks and appetizers will be served at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located just south of the funeral home. Burial of the urn will take place at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in honor of Janet to the Gumby’s Club for a Cure Foundation in Manitowoc.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at St. Luke’s ICU and the nurses, CNAs, aids, and all other team members at Sharon Richardson’s Hospice Facility.
