Robert J. Bonhomme

Robert J. Bonhomme, Sr., 92, of Portage, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Brookdale Senior Living in Portage. He was born July 2, 1933 in Vincennes, Indiana, the son of Stephen and Ethel (Marsh) Bonhomme. Bob left school early to help provide for his family and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, honorably serving his country in the Korean War until 1955. On November 3, 1956 in Hastings, he was united in marriage to the former Norma Bernard, who preceded him in death March 18, 2013. Bob worked in the paper industry as a press man, retiring from James River in 1994. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Portage and enjoyed puzzles and woodworking. In 2018, Bob was able to visit Washington D.C. with many of his comrades through Talons Out Honor Flight, which was truly one of the highlights of his life. Having left school before graduating, Bob regretted never attending his high school prom or never having earned his diploma. In 2024, he was able to attend his “senior” prom and, at the age of 90, was awarded his high school diploma. This remarkable achievement was broadcast throughout the country and the world, even having an article written about him in Time Magazine.

Bob is survived by his four children, Jean (Bill) Wiborn, Joseph (Diane) Bonhomme, Robert (Julie) Bonhomme, Jr., and Mary (Rob) Romig; eight grandchildren, Jesse (Debbie) Bonhomme, Jamie (Kory) Bonhomme-Conyer, Nicole (Chris) Walker, Dani (Tim) Keith, Ashlynn Bonhomme, Joe (Liz Torres Martinez) Romig, Matt (Lexi Lower) Romig, and Taylor (Austyn Mason) Bonhomme; 12 great grandchildren; and special friend, Jan Dolbee. In addition to his parents and wife, Norma, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Walter Bonhomme.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Adams-Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Monday, March 16, 2026 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage. He will be laid to rest with Norma at Fort Custer National Cemetery. For those wishing to make a contribution in his memory, the family suggests Talons Out Honor Flight.