Dennis Dean Bonikowske

Dennis Dean Bonikowske, 74, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Dennis was the son of Alfred and Alice Breier Bonikowske.

Dennis graduated from Little Wolf High School in 1970. In 1973, he married Sandra Krebs and they celebrated 53 years together in March.

After farming a short time with his father, Dennis began his working career as a field delivery driver with Ferg's Gas Co. and then with Sturm & Jensen Oil Co. until he retired in 2001.

Dennis joined the Town of Union Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1973. He served in several positions and was currently the Safety Officer for the Manawa Rural Fire Dept., serving continuously for 53 years.

For many years Dennis was also a member of the Waupaca County Sheriff's Dept. Reserve Unit and worked at many county events including the Manawa Rodeo, Symco Thresheres and Iola Car Show.

Dennis was an avid outdoorsman. Some of his happiest moments were spent outdoors surrounded by family. He loved fishing, hunting, and four-wheeling, always ready for the next adventure. He loved spending time with his grandkids and enjoyed taking them out fishing, whether it was in his boat or the ice fishing shack, and sitting in the stands waiting for the big one to come. He also enjoyed gathering around the table for card games, where there was always plenty of laughter, stories, and friendly competition. A treasured memory was grandpa's homemade specialty crepes that they would always look forward to on weekends. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family and making memories with the people he loved most.

Dennis is survived by his wife Sandy, his son Jeff (Tina) Bonikowske, daughter Erica (Paul) Gromowski; and his grandchildren, Blake and Tyler Bonikowske, Mason, Weston and Cullen Gromowski.

He is further survived by his sister Judy Much, sister-in-law Lola Bonikowske, sisters-in-law Martha (LeRoy) Pomerneke, and Carol (Thomas) Paulick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alice Bonikowske, brother Gary Bonikowske, and brother-in-law William Mach.

The funeral service for Dennis will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Symco on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jeffrey Smiles officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.