Albany, WI- Peter Joel Bonlie passed away peacefully at SSM Hospital in Monroe after a long battle with cancer.
Pete was born to Barbara Jean Bonlie (Fleek) and Walter Leonard Bonlie on June 15, 1956 at an impressive weight of 9lb 2.5 oz. His life began in Homestead, Florida. His father Walter, was a Chief Warrant Officer for the United States Air Force, therefore Pete spent a majority of his youth growing up on military bases in Florida, Georgia and New Jersey. When Pete was in 3rd grade his father retired from the Air Force and their family settled in Brodhead, Wisconsin.
Pete was a highly intelligent individual who could excel at anything he was motivated to excel in. He played various sports in middle and high school including; Football, track and wrestling and was well liked by his classmates. Pete was known as a fun-loving, free spirit who would do just about anything to make someone laugh. He had a natural gift and passion for entertaining others whether it be through music, his goofy demeanor or one of his more elaborate, out of the box pranks he played on his teachers or teammates at school.
On June 2nd, 1974, Pete graduated from Brodhead High School and moved to Madison WI where he took classes at MATC for construction. He married and raised 5 children; Troy, Zachary, Aaron, Signe and Hannah alongside his wife and friend until the end, Sandra Louise Bonlie (Haycraft). Pete had a talent for carpentry with a niche for woodworking and eventually started his own company, “Bonlie Carpentry.” His beautiful craftsmanship can be seen throughout many historic homes in Brodhead, Wisconsin and surrounding areas.
Pete loved many things of this world but none as much as he loved the Lord, Jesus Christ. He was a dedicated member of his church congregation, Living Word, for many years. He played guitar for the worship team every Sunday, attended and hosted weekly Bible Studies and volunteered transportation services for the church so children in the community had rides to and from Wednesday night Youth Groups. Pete also played guitar for the Christian Band, “Fishn’ Musicians.” They were a local band that traveled to various areas playing music to inspire others with the word of God. Pete gave judgement free love and care to family and perfect strangers alike. He showed his love through sharing God’s love with others.
Pete passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Monroe, WI. Despite the loss felt by his loved ones, he left behind many fond memories and the reassurance that Pete got to spend Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ, with Christ himself! He is survived by his children Aaron (Brooke) Haycraft, Signe (Mathew) Doyle, Hannah (Corey) Condon; his grandchildren, Maddox, Kylie, Gavin, Hunter, Viosa, Lachlan, Finnegan and Erika and his sisters; Kris Rosheisen, Signe Wynne and Rachelle Saunders. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Barbara Bonlie and two sons, Zachary Bonlie and Troy Shirley.
A celebration of life service will be open to the public on Saturday, February 28th at Living Word Church in Brodhead from 11:00-12:00 followed by a luncheon.