Donald Dean Bonner, 74, Crane, MT

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday March 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Sidney, MT, with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating. A luncheon followed at the Moose Lodge in Sidney, MT, for a time of fellowship and sharing. Military honors were presented by the VFW Post 4099, Sidney, MT, and members from the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Sidney, MT, is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Donald Dean Bonner, affectionately known as Donnie, was born on Jan. 3, 1950, in Sidney, MT, and passed away on March 6, 2024, in Billings, MT.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kayrene Bonner Roberts, Crane, MT; sisters Corina Segmiller, Laurel, MT; Georgene Owens. As well as his brother-in-law Rod and Jackie Roberts, Billings, MT; Judy Candee, Sidney, MT; and many nieces and nephews from around the United States.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Marie Bonner, his parents Donnald Frank Bonner and Emma Scheetz Bonner, and his in-laws Jess and Helen Norby Roberts.

Donnie graduated from Sidney High School in the class of 1968. Donnie proudly served in the U.S. Navy, joining on Aug. 5, 1969, and serving as a sailor on the USS Wexford during the Vietnam War.

Throughout his life, Donnie worked in various roles, starting as a bag boy at Reynolds and later finding his passion in the electrical field. He worked for REA as a lineman, started his own business, D & R Trenching, with his brother-in-law Rod Roberts, and later worked for MDU as a lineman and supervisor. He was known for his dedication to his co-workers and the pride he had in his profession. One of his favorites was the Fort Peck Dam lighting project

Family was paramount to Donnie. He married Kayrene on Dec. 15, 1973, and together they built a life in Crane, MT. They welcomed their beautiful daughter Dawn Marie Bonner on July 15t 1974. Donnie was always ready to lend a helping hand and had a heart of gold, despite his Grumpy Grizzly Bear persona. He was a master chef known as "Donnie Flay", cooking up delicious dishes like fried chicken, "Jordie" mashed potatoes, raspberry kuchen, and lutefisk on holidays.

In his free time, Donnie enjoyed gardening, fishing, and attending Lutefisk feeds with family and friends.

Donnie will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, hard work, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those he touched.