John Charles Bonter, 77, of Paw Paw, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Kairos Dwelling, Kalamazoo. He was born June 18, 1947, in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Clarence Bonter and Marie (Dumas) Bonter.
John spent a total of 50 years combined service between the Village of Paw Paw and Van Buren County Police. He was the former police chief for the Village of Paw Paw. Following retirement, John worked security at the Van Buren County Courthouse. He was a counselor and mentor to many. He was a team leader and always looked out for his department’s well-being. He was highly respected by his colleagues and the locals out on the street, being known for his gentle approach to the line of duty. One of his common sayings was “we can do this the easy way or the hard way”. Every morning, he would visit the department to have coffee with the guys. John enjoyed trips up to the family’s cabin on the Tahquamenon River all his life just outside of Hulbert, MI. He enjoyed working around his property splitting wood and riding his John Deere tractors, with his dog, Suzie, by his side.
On Sept. 22, 1973, he married Billiann (Mitchell) Bonter who preceded him in death, March 15, 2017.
He is survived by his two daughters, Marie (Paul) van der Feyst of Paw Paw, and Jami (Mark Hindenach ) Williams of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren, Holli (Reza Jalali) Williams, Luke Williams, Anna van der Feyst, Lauren van der Feyst, and Samuel Van der Feyst.
Family and friends were invited to visit Monday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, where a funeral service was held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Chuck Rawsthorne officiating. Interment followed in Almena Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kairos Dwelling, 2945 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI, 49048.
“I’ll be seein ya.”
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