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MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Dorence "Ben" Sheldron Bonin, 90, passed away Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.
He was born in Argonne, Wis., on May 22, 1936, to Ben Bonin and Roberta (Schultz) Bonin.
He married the former Phyllis LaBar on Dec. 25, 1958, in Florence, Wis., and she preceded him in death in 2022, with over 60 years together.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy. Ben graduated from Northern Michigan University and then earned a master's degree from Michigan State University. Ben was employed as a coach, teacher and principal at Oakridge and Muskegon Public Schools for over 30 years until retiring in 1994.
He grew up hunting and fishing and especially loved fishing brook trout and later panfish in the Muskegon area. He also loved hunting turkeys. During his retirement years, he also volunteered at the LST ship in Muskegon. He was a member of Olivet Evangelical Free Church.
He is survived by daughter Karen (Glenn) Burek; sons Jeffrey (Karen) Bonin, Michael (Jill) Bonin; grandchildren Eric Newald, Rebecca (Josh) Bolthouse, Melissa (Ryan) Spreck, Stephanie (Drew) Hansma, Christa (Ethan) Coots, Linnea (Dallas) Smith, Caroline (Manuel) Ortiz, Forrest (Shayna) Bonin, Cooper (Laura) Bonin, Parker Bonin, Tate Bonin; 22 great-grandchildren; sister Benetta (Stephen) Phare; and brother-in-law Paul LaBar.
Services will be Thursday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. at Olivet Evangelical Free Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service and a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Harbor Hospice.
Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.