Julius "Sonny" R. Bonneau

Julius "Sonny" R. Bonneau, age 74, of Munising, walked on at 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2015 at the Tendercare Health Center where he had resided since 2009. He was born on March 31, 1940 in Nahma to the late Rufus and Angeline (Sacator) Bonneau. Sonny grew up in Munising and fished Lake Superior with Bob Matson and John "Beer Gut" Bjork for many years. He also worked for Al Miron at the sawmill in Wetmore. Sonny was generous in his helping of anyone who needed help and he always made sure the kids had candy and pizza. Sonny knew a lot of people and wanted to visit from dawn until dusk. His mission for everyday was to find someone to help. In 1996, he endured a brain aneurysm and the doctors did not expect him to live. He fought through but needed assistance with his daily life. Sonny was well cared for at the Superior Health Haven and then at Tendercare. His brain injury did not rob him of his sense of humor and joy of laughter. Sonny was one of Alger County's original recyclers. He loved hanging out at the dump and even made Patty a lawn mower out of his recycling abilities. Sonny also loved music and dancing.

He is survived by his son - Joey Benjamen of Jacksboro, TN; grandchildren - Joey II, Cotey, Aaron, Deanna, and Brooklyn Benjamen; great-grandson Joseph Benjamen III; siblings - Leroy Bonneau of Wetmore, Rose Milburn of Manistique, Mike (Diana) Bonneau of Munising, Helen Bonneau of Manistique, and Lorraine Bonneau of Wetmore; brother-in-law - Scott Young; special niece for her entire lifetime - Patty (Scott) Steinhoff of Munising and their sons Les, Talon, and Michael; several other nieces and nephews. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Williams, Lena Mannisto, Joe Bonneau, and Betty Young.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29, 2015 where there will be visiting time with family and friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. there will an Anishinabe Walking On ceremony.