Nancy Fohr Bonner

Nancy Fohr Bonner of Salem, WI passed away peacefully on March 25th, 2016 at the age of 73. Her passing is heaven’s gain, the lives she touched have been forever enriched.

Nancy was born in Racine on February 5th, 1943, the daughter of Robert and Florence (nee Bootz) Fohr. A childhood resident of Raymond, WI, Nancy attended St. Louis Catholic grade school and was a graduate of Union Grove High School.

She married John C. Brenton in June, 1963 and raised 2 children in Raymond, WI. Together they supported the family-owned business, Fohr’s Meat Service, Inc. After over 30 years of sweat equity growing the meat service and catering business, Nancy retired in 1991. Throughout decades of managing the business, many meaningful and lasting friendships flourished. She greatly valued and held close the relationships that were cultivated within the farming and meat service communities. John preceded her in death in March, 2003.

Nancy married Howard “Shorty” Bonner on October 20, 1991. Together, Shorty and Nancy enjoyed many years thriving on their farms in Illinois. They shared great pride in preserving the Bonner Family Heritage Farm on Sand Lake Road prior to moving to their homestead on Hunt Club Road. There they enjoyed many years of retirement together, tinkering with antique tractors and grooming lavishly, colorful landscapes. Shorty preceded her in death on August 14, 2009.

Nancy was an outdoor enthusiast and was fondly admired for her love of horticulture and all-things gardening. She was meticulously expert in nurturing gardens and vast varieties of flowers and plants. If the sun was shining and the breeze warm, she could grow anything anywhere. With a spade in hand and trusted kitties by her side, she could make magic happen in any garden. She found peace and passion with every living thing she planted.

Nancy was an accomplished painter and cherished time with her craft. She created many beautiful paintings that will be treasured and serve to carry on her legacy. While Nancy’s talents were vast, she was most in her element when she was directing a project. She didn’t believe in taking shortcuts and expected others to put their best effort into everything they set out to do. Wherever Nancy is in heaven, she is certain to be running something.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Florence and brother Jim Fohr. She is survived by her sister, Sue (nee Fohr) Boehme and children, Scott Brenton and Karen (Rob) Brenton Kalman and 2 grandchildren, Joshua and Jessica.

Nancy spent her final years with her best friend and dear companion Robert “Bob” Thomas, who stood loyally by her side, supporting her lovingly through many significant health challenges. They had a very special relationship.

A Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held on a date this summer.