Gary L. "The Greek" Bonlander, age 77, of rural New Holstein, passed away peacefully at his home with his daughter-in-law, Kris, granddaughter, Kayleigh, and his friend, Vickey at his side on Saturday, January 25, 2025. He waited to go to the Lord until his children had left the house and his wife had laid down to nap.

He was born June 19, 1947, at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan to the late Joseph & Severa (Franzen) Bonlander.

Gary graduated from New Holstein High School in 1965. On November 16, 1966, he married Virginia Daun at St. Charles Catholic Church in Charlesburg.

He worked at the former Tecumseh Engine Products in New Holstein, where as his family stated, his daily routine included eating donuts, drinking coffee, ordering people around, and playing cribbage (on double time). In addition, he operated a mink ranch along with his sons, Scott & Joe, in the Town of New Holstein. Gary retired in 2018.

In his retirement, Gary enjoyed weekly card games with friends, going on gambling trips on the bus with his wife, Virginia, trips to Oneida for bingo, playing solitaire with real cards (until he discovered an I Pad); he played over 3,000 games in the first week, and playing games of 31 with his granddaughter, Sydney. He was known to watch many Western's on his tv.

Gary was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in New Holstein.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia; his four children, Wendy (Steven) Wonser of Fond du Lac, Scott "Barney" (Kris) Bonlander of New Holstein, Joseph (Sherry) Bonlander of Forest Junction, and Adam Bonlander (fiancée, Amber Mott) of Chilton; nine grandchildren, Zachary (Stephanie) Wonser, Sophia Wonser (special friend, Ryan Tallberg), Kayleigh Bonlander (special friend, Emilio Acosta), Devin Bonlander (special friend, Rylie Johnson), Trisha Kilsdonk (special friend, Josh Spetta), Carissa Kilsdonk, Sydney Bonlander, Taylor Trossen, and Noah Abhold; a great-grandson, Jackson Munsch; his brothers & sisters, Shirley (Jerry) Lenz of Green Lake, Donald (Johanna) Bonlander of rural Chilton, Mickie (Terry) Clemenson of Oshkosh, Mary (Al) Mader of Hilbert, Dave (Julie) Bonlander of rural Newton, and Barb (Jim) Dhein of Kiel; his sisters-in-law, Gertie Bonlander of Chilton, Carol Northway of Medford, and Bette Daun of rural Chilton ; and his brother-in-law, Carl (Bev) Daun of rural New Holstein. He is further survived by his nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph & Severa Bonlander; his brother, Bob Bonlander; a sister-in-law, Laurie "Shorty" Bonlander, Marie (Bob) Gust, Gen Daun, Cookie (Bob) Keltesch, Rita Drake Polster and her first husband, LeRoy Drake and her second husband, Vincent Polster, Theresa (Tullio) Nucciarone, and Dorothy (Tony) Nadler; a brother-in-law, Ben Daun; and his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Charles & Lena Daun.

A Liturgy Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1724 Madison Street, New Holstein, WI 53061. Rev Carl Diederichs will officiate with Deacon Dennis Bennin assisting. Gary will be laid to rest in the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.

Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Gary's family at the Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Avenue in New Holstein on Wednesday, January 29th from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and visitation will also be at the funeral home Thursday morning, January 30th from 9:00 AM until 10:15 AM.

Gary's family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff of Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care given to him and compassion shown to the family.

For further information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.