Roger Keith Bonnema

Roger Keith Bonnema, age 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. Born May 18, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he was the son of Herman and Alice (Vlieg) Bonnema.

A 1955 graduate of Imlay City High School, Roger went on to serve in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959.

On March 16, 1957, Roger married Charlotte Caldwell, the love of his life. They shared nearly 69 years together until Charlotte’s passing on January 1, 2026, a loss Roger carried with grace and enduring love.

Roger spent his career in the medical field, working in anesthesiology with compassion and professionalism. He retired in 2014 after decades of dedicated service to patients and colleagues.

A man of faith, Roger was a longtime member of Green Street United Methodist Church. Roger loved gardening, landscaping, and caring for his flowers. He loved to work with his hands.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Karen Weesies, and Nancy Mason.

He is survived by his children, Melinda (Al) Grashius, Roger (Denise) Bonnema, Jr., Jalene Watson, Tracy Heinrich, and Heidi (Dennis) Pennington; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.