Donald Bonham

Hastings resident, Donald H. Bonham, 82, of 310 North Bellevue, died Thursday, September 25, 2008 at his home.

Rosary will be Sunday, September 28, 2008; 7:00 P.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 29, 2008; 10:00 A.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church with Father Michael Houlihan officiating. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Saturday, September 27, 2008; 1:00 PM-9:00 PM with family present 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, Sunday, September 28, 2008; 1:00 PM-5:00 PM at the funeral home and Monday, September 29, 2008; 1 hr. prior to service at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Michael's Catholic Church or to the family.

Mr. Bonham was born August 21, 1926 in Winona, Minnesota to Oscar H. & Mary Caroline (Malosh) Bonham. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1944. Don married Rita R. Polus at St. Thomas Pro Cathedral in Winona, Minnesota on May 10, 1947 and she preceded him in death on July 11, 2006. They moved from Winona to Falls City, Nebraska in 1961 and from Falls City to Hastings in 1965. His working career started in radio and television as an announcer at KWNO radio station in Winona, Minnesota after receiving his Radio Telephone Operator Permit from the Federal Communications Commission on June 22, 1944. Over the years Don also worked in the broadcasting industry at WKBH in La Crosse, Wisconsin, KGLO in Mason City, Iowa, KTNC in Falls City, Nebraska, and at KHAS TV in Hastings, Nebraska. While at KHAS TV he held the positions of booth announcer, outdoor sports director and news director. Following his broadcasting career Don worked as the personnel services supervisor at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant in Grand Island until it closed. He then went to work for Pro-Ag Veterinary Supply in Hastings. Don also worked in security with Pinkerton Security Service as a certified security officer at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings and as a gate security officer for Titan Security at AGP Ethanol Plant in Hastings. Don was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as trap and skeet shooting. He also enjoyed the theatre and participated in many different plays over the years with the Hastings Community Theatre productions. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and a past member of the Elks, Eagles and Four Rivers Sportsman's Club. While in Winona Don was active with the YMCA Indian Guides Program and a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America making trips with the Boy Scouts to Washington, D.C. and to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.

Mr. Bonham was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita, one grandson Michael Jon Gentert; two infant half sisters, Marie & Elna May Reed and half brothers Robert & Merl Reed.

Survivors include:
Sons & Daughter-in-law: Donald J. 'Scott' & Debra Bonham - Hastings, NE
Douglas J. Bonham - Juniata, NE
Daughters & Sons-in-law: Roxanne & Darrell Valentine - Hastings, NE
Mary Rose & Bill Taylor - Hastings, NE
Sue & Randy Gentert - Hastings, NE
Grandchildren: 15
Great Grandchildren: 23