William Lee “Bill” Bonger of Laramie died Oct. 30th, 2022. He was born on May 7, 1952, in Rock Springs, Wy. To Harry and Elsie Jo (May) Bonger.
The family moved to Laramie when Bill was quite young, and Laramie was his home his entire life. Bill attended school in Laramie and graduated from Laramie High in 1970, during high school Bill was a good athlete, he played football for the Plainsmen and in his senior year he earned All State Honors as an offensive center/ defensive linebacker. Bill also played Baseball from little league through Colt League. He hit the very first home run in the brand-new green field at the UW complex.
After high school Bill attended the UW for a few years but decided it wasn’t for him, and he went to work at the UW athletic dept. where he stayed until he retired.
In Bills free time he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and camp. He also enjoyed shooting sports like trap shooting and target shooting. He also had a love for motorcycles and attended rallies in Sturgis S.D. many times.
He dearly loved dogs and was known to always have a dog.
He is preceded in death by his parents Elsie Jo and Harry.
He is survived by his brother Larry (Evelyn) of Laramie, his nieces Monica (Victor) Lopez, Colleen Flores and three great nieces and one great nephew.
Cremation has taken place per Bills request; no services will take place because he didn’t want anyone to fuss over him.
Given Bills love of dogs in Lieu of flowers please donate to an animal shelter or the ASPCA.
26 Comments To "William Lee “Bill” Bonger"
#1 Comment By Lanny L Mauk On November 3, 2022 @ 1:43 pm
Larry My condolences for the loss of your brother
#2 Comment By Terri Hull Jones On November 3, 2022 @ 2:52 pm
Larry and Evelyn
I am very sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. Bill was one of the main characters in the Whiting and Washington grade schools kid’s adventure through Junior and Senior High. I hardly remember a year we were not in the same class. My God bless Bill, he will be missed.
#3 Comment By Jerry Yeend On November 5, 2022 @ 1:43 pm
Happy trails Bill, see you on down the line. Very sorry for your loss Larry.
#4 Comment By Linda Hickerson On March 19, 2023 @ 1:56 am
He was so positive and always put a smile on my face!
#5 Comment By Kimberley Boronda On November 3, 2022 @ 6:17 pm
Terribly sorry for your family’s loss!!
#6 Comment By Mary Benson Comin On November 3, 2022 @ 8:39 pm
Larry, sorry for the loss of Bill.
#7 Comment By Randy and Pam Moulton On November 4, 2022 @ 7:43 am
Larry and family, we are sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. Condolences to all that loved him. Rest in peace Billy.
#8 Comment By Annie (Knapp) Sorensen On March 7, 2023 @ 9:18 pm
My condolences . I always looked forward to seeing Billy any chance I could when I got to be with Aunt Tykie and Uncle Harry. Rest in Peace Billy.
#9 Comment By Phyllis (Montoya) and Mike Mesa On November 4, 2022 @ 9:10 am
To the family of Billy…our most sincere condolences. As part of the alumni of Whiting, Washington, Junior and LHS schools I remember Billy (as we all called him). May the memories that you carry with you be that which comforts you. May he rest in peace.
#10 Comment By Linda Ryff On November 4, 2022 @ 9:32 pm
I was just thinking of Billy the other day. He was one of the first guys I met when I moved to Laramie My condolences as you mourn the passing of a wonderful and caring man.
#11 Comment By Anonymous On November 5, 2022 @ 6:42 am
When i was excommunicated/expelled/thrown out of St. laurence in 9th grade ( for demonic possession, i reason…), the very first mid-morning at LJH I was terrified of being beat up by heretofore, unknown public school bullies…( recall Cotton Sweetland? …). Bill had a locker about 7 feet away, and he immediately came up, introduced and just took over…showed me around, lunchroom, met other guys our age, etc. Basically just completely and so deftly eased me into that public arena. remained friends all through school, but we lost touch until 2 years ago, saw at my sisters b-day party in laramie. He always remained that balanced, peaceful, friendly guy to everyone around him. Many is the day i wished i had that peaceful content personality. Thank you, Billy, for that peaceful, caring personhood.
ralph johnson jr.
#12 Comment By ROD ARAGON On November 5, 2022 @ 7:42 am
R I P BILL.
#13 Comment By Dave O’Malley On November 5, 2022 @ 8:44 am
Larry and family. I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a good guy. You’re all in our hearts and minds. Dave O’Malley
#14 Comment By Rick and Kay Soderberg On November 5, 2022 @ 3:53 pm
Larry
I am sorry about your loss. I know that you two were very close and I am sure your life will be pretty empty. Kay and I send our condolences.
Rick
#15 Comment By Anonymous On November 6, 2022 @ 10:01 am
Larry and Evelyn, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Bill. Hold all of the wonderful memories close to your heart. God bless you and him! Mary Ann and Lynn Pendleton
#16 Comment By Jim & Ro Peak On November 6, 2022 @ 7:47 pm
Larry, Evelyn, and family, we are sorry to hear about Billy’s passing. Our condolences to all that knew and loved him. May the many memories you shared ease the emptiness of his loss.
#17 Comment By Victor On November 7, 2022 @ 2:26 pm
My sincere condolences Larry. I know the pain of losing your brother.
#18 Comment By Anonymous On November 8, 2022 @ 5:28 pm
My condolences on your loss. I worked for Bill many, many years ago for the facilities dept. I have many fond memories of him but in particular, music triva where he would crush me on a daily basis! He was a great supervisor to work with. He never minced his words, and you knew where you stood! RIP Bill!
#19 Comment By Craig Newman On November 9, 2022 @ 5:15 pm
Larry—so sorry about Bill. My sincere condolences.
#20 Comment By Sara On November 15, 2022 @ 9:07 am
I grew up in the same neighborhood Bill lived in, and used to wait on him at the Beanery. He was definitely one of my favorite regulars. Sending love to his family.
#21 Comment By Michele Stone On November 21, 2022 @ 10:21 am
LARRY Evelyn and family I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing..he will be sorely missed and was dearly loved by so many. His love for animals, the mountains, and a compassion for life will be held dear to many!!! He was so knowledgeable about everything and yes he could crush me too at music trivia as well!! So many people, memories, and love will hopefully be filled from the void that Bill has left behind so suddenly.. “may your journey home be blessed with all the beauty there lies within”
#22 Comment By Ron Willis On November 26, 2022 @ 12:20 pm
Many fond memories of working with Bill at the field house in the 70s/80s. I remember driving to an Air Force game with Billy and felt honored he’d want to go with me. So sorry to hear of his passing. Rest In Peace, friend.
#23 Comment By Shelly Stanley On December 3, 2022 @ 9:56 pm
Dad, you will be greatly missed. I never got to say goodbye to you. We last spoke on October 22nd when you called me and said you didn’t feel well enough to come and visit me. But you did call me a few day’s before then and said that you loved me unconditionally and that you wanted to hold my hand one last time. I did not grasped the concept of that conversation but I do now understand. You were letting me know something! I just wish that I could have held your hand one last time. I didn’t know what you were going through as you didn’t let anybody know! I see your light shining down on me! Just would’ve like to see you one more time! Rest easy Dad! I love you more than anybody did!
Shelly Stanley
#24 Comment By Linda Hickerson On March 19, 2023 @ 1:52 am
Beautiful! I attended school in Laramie with Billy. He was such a positive soul!
#25 Comment By Debbie On September 8, 2023 @ 4:08 pm
RIP! Billy was a very good friend. When in college I worked with him at the Athletic Department. He taught me to make the lines on the football field s and soccer fields. It was fun to work with him!!
#26 Comment By Clifford Shultz On November 19, 2023 @ 8:19 pm
Man I liked Bill. We worked together at the athletic department while I going to the university. I lived in his basement a couple years. Became good friends. RIP Billy.