Bonita J. “Bonnie” Thill

Bonnie was born on June 18th, 1946, in Munising, MI, to the late Edward J. and Lillian M. (Vinskoski) Murk. She was a graduate of William G. Mather High School.

Bonnie raised four children and then started her second career as a customer service representative at Gold Eagle Supply/Dalco Enterprises, where she worked for over twenty years. Bonnie loved going to work every day and recently retired in February 2021. She was beloved by her co-workers and customers for her outgoing personality and sense of humor.

Bonnie was a woman of grace who devoted herself to her family and her friends. True to her Polish heritage, she had a love of everyone and a heart of gold. Her huge heart led her to open her home to many foster children, her son’s friend, and to many others who needed a place to stay for the night. She was always quick to listen, and quick to forgive and forget!

Bonnie enjoyed her Wednesday coffee clatch outings which included a different restaurant every week and many laughs and discussions, that ranged from A to Z. These outings often ended with a ride around Presque Isle and a stop for ice cream during the summer months.

Bonnie was devoted to her faith. At the end of her short illness, she told her family members, she looked forward to going home to Jesus the King. Bonnie was also devoted to her family and most loved spending time with her grandchildren, who called her “Nana”.

Bonnie was an active member of St. Christopher’s Church and then St. Michael’s Church. While at St. Christopher’s, she was a member of the school board, Coordinator and teacher of C.C.D. (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine), and member and teacher of R.C.I.A.

She was active as a parent teacher volunteer helping with school lunches, Bingo and New Year’s Eve Dances.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Julie (Mike) Manning, Kevin (Rhonda) Thill, Ryan Thill and Shawn (Carrie) Thill; grandchildren, John and Kate Manning, Kortni Szukalowski and Alayna Thill; siblings, Linda Carlson, Greg Murk, John (Carole) Murk, Kathy (Nate) Brockman and Lisa (Kevin) Way; nieces and nephews; her close friend and neighbor, Iris Skoien and her furry companion, Lemi.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Bonnie’s life will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in early summer of this year and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bonnie’s name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donate to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org).

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Bonnie’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.