David Vincent Bonczyk

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died August 4, 2021

David Vincent Bonczyk, age 73, of Rapid River passed away August 4, 2021 surrounded by family at his home on the Whitefish River after a brief battle with cancer.

A lifelong hunter and fisherman and Vietnam War veteran, Dave had retired from the Escanaba US Postal Service where he had worked for twenty-eight years. He was born in 1948 in Grand Rapids, MI. Dave was the oldest of seven children in a large Polish American family. He graduated from Catholic Central High School where he met the love of his life Judith, “Judi,” Cychosz, whom he wed in 1972. In 1970, he was drafted by the US Army and deployed to Vietnam. He was wounded, and for his bravery and service to his country he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. After the war, he continued to lead a full, satisfying life graduating from Grand Valley State College in 1976 and moving to the Upper Peninsula with his wife in the same year to work as a planner for CUPPAD. Dave and Judi raised 4 children. Until his death, he remained a regular at his local trap club and a longtime member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. He served as Masonville Township zoning administrator for nearly 40 years.

Dave’s love of nature saw him traverse North America, hunting caribou in Alaska, fishing in Michigan and Florida among others, foraging for mushrooms in fall, and boiling maple syrup in spring. His natural wisdom will live on in his children and grandchildren. He will especially be remembered for his sense of humor, encyclopedic knowledge of the outdoors, handyman skills, competitive cribbage playing, his treasured kielbasa recipe, and his willingness to contribute to any project. His legacy will be the integrity and honesty that he brought to both work and play, and his inexhaustible generosity and empathy for family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Judi, his four children and their spouses, Jennifer and James Nelson, Emily Bonczyk, Patrick Bonczyk PHD, Christopher and Katie Bonczyk; grandchildren Sidonie Fraley, Nicklas, Shaun and Maizie Nelson, Adeline and Eleanor Bonczyk, Blaise Young and Naylanie Reese; six brothers and sisters and their spouses, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Martha Bonczyk, his parents-in-law, Ben and Victoria Cychosz, and a granddaughter, Bailey.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 12 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 13 at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Rapid River with Fr. William Ssozi officiating. Military Honors will follow and be presented by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County, PO Box, 775, Escanaba, MI 49829

Mass link: https://vimeo.com/588468045

Military Honors: https://vimeo.com/588531723

15 Tributes for “David Vincent Bonczyk”

    My deepest sympathy to David’s family. May the memories you have of your husband, father, grandfather, help ease the pain of his passing away. I will keep the family in thought and prayer.

    A salute to David Bonczyk my friend, hunting buddy, fishing buddy, together Vietnam draftee’s, neighborhood life long friend of 62 years. In many ways, I would take these last few steps first for you by taking point through the dark tunnel on over to the other side as I know you would for me.
    The Creator of All, has called you by name first on this journey. In these days ahead put on the armor of God, remember: “In Christ Alone I Stand”

    So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a very good man. Prayers and strength to help your family thru this painful time.

    Love you, Dave. Another person from our childhood gone to God. My sympathies to the family. Dave is now in God’s healing, peaceful, and loving hands. You will be missed.

    Judi, I send my deepest sympathy and empathy to you and your children. Patrick is a wonderful friend to my daughter, Monica at UCLA, PhD – Musicology. Patrick was “there for Monica when she first heard the news of my husband’s sudden passing in September of 2019. Chris was 67. I will always remember Patrick’s kindness towards Monica, since she is 3,000 miles away from me. Please know, I feel your pain. My prayers are with you for strength and comfort.

    Sending love,
    Patty Chieffo

    Dave was an ultimate sportsman who could catch a fish in the bathtub if he had to. He was one of the best hunters and fishers I’ve ever known. The woods will miss him.

    Chris
    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I did not know your father but I do know you a little and I am sure he played a huge part in what a tremendous person you are.

    Dear Judy and family. I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I haven’t seen him much over the years and most of my memories of him go back to grade school days in GR

    It sounds like he was a wonderful man endowed with many great qualities . May Christ’s peace be with you in this sad time and may you find comfort in the memories you have shared.

    I was so sorry to learn of Dave’s death…he was indeed a wonderful guy with a warm, and friendly personality and a great sense of humor.. I pray the Lord’s comfort for Judi and all of the family….It is of great comfort to know that Dave was and is a man of Faith in the Lord Jesus and that because of his faith, we will see Dave again in the hereafter…

    Judi and family,

    So very sorry for your loss.

    I remember both of you from CC and your relationship. Almost fifty years of marriage, how wonderful.

    I will keep you all in my prayers.

    Ellen Donahue Dressel

    Judi and family,

    Sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. It was good to see him a few years back at the 55 year reunion of the St. Isidore 8th grade class of 1962. It was a lot of fun and a pleasure to see you both.

    You and yours are in my prayers,

    Rudy Banka

    Judi and Family,

    We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. What a great person and will be greatly missed! We are blessed to have known him.
    Thoughts and prayers for you and the kids and grandkids!

    Blessings,
    Pat and Sue Gannon

    Judi, our sincere condolences to you and your family. We were saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. May you feel God’s love giving you the strength you need today and always. You are in our prayers. Tom and Deb

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