"Dear Mrs. Bonnett, Steve, Chris, and Greg. I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. What I remember about Mr. Bonnett was that he always had a smile on his face, and he built the best tree house in Middletown! My thoughts are with you and your families. "
In loving memory of
George Bonnett
November 18, 1931 - January 26, 2013
Mr. George Bonnett, 81, of Burlington died at 5:29 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2013, at his home, of pulmonary fibrosis, surrounded by family.
Born November 18, 1931 in Martinez, California, he was the son of Orville and Velma Wilson Bonnett. On September 21, 1957 he married Barbara Callaway in Burlington.
Mr. Bonnett was an Air Force veteran. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa Wesleyan College and his Masters of Education from Western Illinois University.
Mr. Bonnett worked as an inspector on Line 1 at I.A.A.P. for 16 years. He then entered the education profession and retired after teaching 20 years at Salter School.
Mr. Bonnett was active in Players' Workshop as actor, stage designer, producer, director and board member. He was a member of the original board that initiated the Capitol Theater project and enjoyed family, travel, antiques and photography.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Barbara Bonnett of rural Burlington; three sons, Steven (Cathy) Bonnett of Cedar Rapids, Christopher (Karen) Bonnett of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Gregory (Stephanie) Bonnett of North East, Pennsylvania and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, two sisters and one brother.
The celebration of life for Mr. Bonnett will be 4 p.m. Saturday, February 9th, at Players Workshop, 1431 Grove St. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until the time of service and a time of food and fellowship will be held following the celebration of life.
Memorials have been established for Players Workshop, Capitol Theater, and Great River Hospice.
Tributes
"George, It really was a "Wonderful Life". You lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. It was a road well traveled, and I will miss you. Happy trails! Love, Karen Bonnett"
"Dear Mrs. Bonnett(Barb), Steve, Chris, & Greg... Sorry to have read and heard about George's passing. I did not have the pleasure of having Mr. Bonnett as a teacher... but remember Mrs. Bonnett(Barb.. It's always tough to call a former teacher by their 1st name) way-back-when at North Hill. Please accept our best wishes.. Sincerely, Renee and Brian Japsen."
"Mr. Bonnett was truly an incredible and influential teacher who impacted me. I have so many wonderful memories from his fifth grade class at Salter. We had so much fun in class with the talent shows and mini plays. I also remember spending the day at his house and digging for fossils. I was just looking at the pictures he took during the school year and remembering the good times I had as his student. What an amazing teacher!!!"
"Many fond and funny memories of George when we began our teaching careers at Salter School back in the 70's. So sorry to learn of his passing.... Condolences to Barb, the boys, and families."
"Mr. Bonnet taught both our children, Arnie and Crystal. Both have fond memories of him. He was very active in our community and always had a friendly smile when you would see him out and about. He will be missed by many."
"George was always so upbeat, enthusiastic, and amusing. I remember many good times with George and Barb at the movie potluck parties. He will be missed by all who enjoyed his company."
"Mr. Bonnett was my favorite teacher, I had him in 1990/1991 for 5th grade. He was such a creative teacher that spurred us to want to learn more. In that one year I went on an archeological dig, disected owl pellets, won $1000 for a talent show, and so much more. I still have pictures from trips we took and the memories are precious to me! I was lucky to have had such a wonderful teacher. I was forever changed by him. Thank you!"
"It was so much fun working with George at Salter School. I remember helping with a field trip to his place in the country and George told us about all the different types of trees and where the owl lived. He was always using creative ideas in his classroom. George had such a zest for living and a great sense of humor. I often saw him at the library when I would be picking up some books. I'll miss seeing him there."