George Bonfe

George F. Bonfe, age 76 of Forest Lake, Minnesota, died following a brief illness, but fittingly on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2021.  George was born, March 10, 1945 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of Samuel and Lucille (Peterson) Bonfe.  He graduated from Cretin High School, Class of 1963.  Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army.  While on leave, he was involved in a tragic automobile accident which left him with permanent injuries.  Those injuries changed his physical body, but his personality and mental strength never wavered.  While living his life dependent on a wheelchair he did not see that as limiting in anyway.
Choosing a family of his own, George adopted three children, built and piloted his own airplane, competed in marathons, owned and operated two business; South West Liquor in West Saint Paul and later Clear Lake Childcare which he transferred ownership to upon his retirement and the center is now Room for Growing in Forest Lake.  George was an active member of the Forest Lake community.  He never missed a chance to be involved with military events, the Forest Lake Veterans Memorial, civic and other community opportunities to make where he and his children lived a better place.

George is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sam.  He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him including his children, Robbie (Kathy) Bonfe, Deoki Bonfe, Sunitha Bonfe, Dominick Bonfe, Sydney Hernandez; grandchildren, Annabella Bonfe, Dimitri Bonfe; siblings, Roger Bonfe, Wally (Susanne) Bonfe, Joseph (Jill) Bonfe; other family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at The Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, mass will be live streamed for those unable to attend.  Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake.  A military ritual service with a time of sharing will be held at 7:00 p.m.; live streaming will be available for those unable to attend https://youtu.be/py5n7BB3h6s .  Visitation will continue from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Wednesday at The Church of Saint Peter.  Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.