John Bongers

February 22, 1936 - February 16, 2011

John D. Bongers, 74, of David City, died Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at St. Joseph's Villa in David City. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 10:00am at the Aquinas Chapel, David City, Nebraska. Viewing will be Friday, from 6-7pm followed by a 7pm parish rosary also at the Aquinas Chapel. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, David City. Memorials IN LIEU OF FLOWERS to The Youth Development Memorial Fund in care of Aquinas High School. John D. Bongers was born on February 22, 1936 at Brainard, Nebraska to Carl and Clara(Birkel)Bongers. He graduated from Maur Hill High School in Atchinson, Kansas and went on St. Benedicts Abbey to discern his vocation. After six years in the abbey, John decided his vocation in life was to be an artist in woodworking. He worked for many years with Alfred Hilger as a carpenter and after he ventured out on his own, John would give young people that same chance to use their skills. John was unique in his designs and architecture. No two building designs were alike in shape or form. This was his trademark. All of his work was dedicated to the Glory of God. John traveled the world by working his way across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on freighters. He touched all the continents of the world. He was instrumental in building a church in New Guinea and in the late 80's he supervised the construction of a multi-purpose building which had in it offices, meetings areas, workshops, library and education rooms,and the sisters' convent for the Guadalupe Home Orphanage in Santa Apolonia, Guatemala. John was also instrumental in the building of the Aquinas Chapel providing the design and significant finances for a chapel that all students faculty and alumni can use for worship. John also left a Youth Development Memorial Fund to enhance the Fine Arts and Industrial Arts Departments at Aquinas. The benefit of his legacy has been seen in many of the projects and performances throughout the years. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law: Alfred and Susan Schlentz Bongers, and niece; Sara Bongers of Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Clara Bongers.