Gary Bonewitz

Gary Bonewitz, 80, of Ackley, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025 at his home, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. Funeral mass will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ackley. He will be laid to rest at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. There will be a rosary at 4:30 PM followed by visitation from 5-7 PM on Monday, November 10th at the church. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Iowa Falls is caring for Gary and his family. Gary Joseph Bonewitz was born on November 29, 1944 in Hampton, Iowa, the son of LaVerne (Hosch) Bonewitz and Joseph William Bonewitz. Gary was a 1962 graduate of Ackley-Geneva High School. Throughout his life, Gary worked in construction and following his retirement, continued to stay active by helping a local farmer. Gary had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and could often be found fishing at local ponds or heading north in search of the perfect spot. Some of his favorite trips included fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his son Mike, brother Bob, sister Sue and her husband Brent, and nephew Ryan, as well as annual fishing adventures to North Dakota with his brother Mike and close friends. The stories from those trips were endless and always told with a smile. Gary was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed deer hunting in the fall and bear hunting trips to Canada. He especially cherished his winter travels to Texas with his sister Jean to visit his nieces and nephew and their families, always managing to fit in one more hunting adventure along the way. Somehow, amidst all his outdoor adventures, Gary still found time to tend to his garden. He took great pride in preparing it each spring and harvesting throughout the summer. He enjoyed canning and freezing his produce, ensuring his freezers and pantry were always well stocked. Gary loved supporting his grandchildren and could always be found at their activities, proudly cheering them on in wrestling, softball and basketball. Gary is survived by his six children: Rita Foubert, Mike (Tara) Bonewitz, Kathy Bonewitz, John Bonewitz, Barbara Bonewitz and Amber Bonewitz; his step-sons, Adam Archer and Chris Archer; sixteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brothers: Mike Bonewitz, Steve Bonewitz, David Bonewitz, and Bob Bonewitz; and his sisters: Connie Galpin, Jean Boss, Joan Bonewitz, Sue Harrenstein and is also survived by Nola Bonewitz. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Struthoff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Care Initiatives Hospice or the American Heart Association.

Tributes

Gary Bonewitz

November 29, 1944 - November 3, 2025