Jerry "Buns" Bonino

Jerry "Buns" Bonino, age 86, longtime resident of Two Rivers, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, July 16, 2025 at Frontida Care Center, Manitowoc.

Jerry was born June 22, 1939 in Verona, Wisconsin to Sam and Lola (Mulcahy) Bonino. He was a 1957 graduate of Verona High School, then furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, earning his bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1962. He then went on to study at Winona State University in Minnesota to earn his master's degree in 1966. Upon graduating he began teaching and coaching football, baseball, and basketball at Iola-Scandinavia and also served as their athletic director. His second position was with Appleton-Xavier High School where he coached football and basketball, and his third position was with Two Rivers High School where he remained for the next 27 years. There he served as Phy Ed teacher and head varsity basketball coach for 12 years, freshman football for 8 years, J.V. for one year, and head varsity football coach for 18 years. Coach Bonino's Raiders became Wisconsin's first team to capture three consecutive state titles, winning the WIAA Division III championships in 1980, 1981, and 1982. He also led the Raiders to eight Eastern Wisconsin Conference titles in sixteen years with a career record of 127-58. Jerry retired from teaching and coaching in 1995.

He was named Lakeshore Area Football Coach of the Year in 1981 and 82; and Northeastern Wisconsin Football Coach of the year in 1981. He also received the WFCA 25-30 award; he was enshrined into the Lakeshore All Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, and in 1998 was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Coach Bonino also officiated football, baseball and basketball for many years; and was assistant coach of the victorious North team in the 1996 Shrine Bowl. In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed playing softball, golfing, and gardening. He married the former Bonnie Andraska, February 13, 1982 in Two Rivers. The couple enjoyed traveling together and wintering in Florida for many years. Jerry always enjoyed humor, and loved to make people laugh!

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; three daughters: Sandy Lewis, Vicki Bonino, and Terri (Bob) Boerger; his four grandchildren: Carter Lewis (Caroline), Jenna Lewis (Dan), Nick Strzyzewski, and Noah Strzyzewski; one niece, Trisha; and one nephew, Ryan. He is further survived by in-laws: Dave (Hazel) Andraska, Terry (Mike) Casey; other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Joey Andraska; and the mother of his daughters, Dottie Wood.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2025 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd., Two Rivers. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church Wednesday evening, July 23rd from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.. Visitation will continue Thursday morning at the church after 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

The funeral service will be live streamed on the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church website or St. Peter the Fisherman Facebook page.

Online condolence messages may be shared at DejaMartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Bonino family with funeral arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jerry's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the entire staff at Frontida for the years of wonderful care and compassion extended. Special thanks also to the caregivers of Heartland Hospice for their kindness and support.

Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed by his family, his many students/athletes, and many friends.