Robert Bonifer Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dateline Ireland IN.: Robert L. Bonifer age 80 of Ireland, passed away at 11:35 P.M. Wednesday July 13, 2005 at Jasper Memorial Hospital. He was born October 6, 1924 in Louisville Ky. To: Adam and Lena (Wigand) Bonifer. He married Fern Henke July 19, 1952. He was a member of the VFW Post 673 in Jasper WW2 Veteran and he was a long time member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, K of C, and American Legion Post 147. Bob was a retired truck driver, dairy farmer, technician for The American Breeders Association, Regional Sales Manager for Mix Mill, Inc., Brock Bins, Triple-F Feeds and Beltone Hearing Aids. A lifetime horseman, he and his family owned and operated Clover Leaf Park and Riding Stables, and he and his son, Brian, were owner and trainer for Clover Leaf Thoroughbred Racing Stables. Other endeavors included grain and produce farming, and Bonifer Enterprises, a venture that encompassed long-haul trucking, the privately-labeled Fantastic Pig Feed and various feed supplements. In the 1980s he discovered oil on his land, which he sold on contract to the Ashland Oil Company. After retiring from his own trucking business, he continued driving big rigs in the 1990s for Kimball International. He is the subject of the feature documentary film, “Finding Bill Murray,” produced by his son, Michael, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker and writer. The film, with Bob in attendance, had its world premiere at the Bonifer Family Reunion on July 2, 2005. Surviving: his wife Fern Bonifer of Ireland. 2 daughters- Mrs. Dennis “Bucket” Anne Mehringer of Jasper, Mrs. Carl Beth Underwood of Ireland. 3 sons-Michael Bonifer of Los Angeles CA., Mark Bonifer of Indianapolis, and Alan Bonifer of Memphis TN. 1 brother-Joe Bonifer of Alexandria VA. 2 sisters-Joyce Snyder of Louisville, Mrs. Bob (Mary) Kapp of Evansville. 7 Grandchildren 1 stepgranddaughter 2 step Great Grandchildren Preceded in death by 1 son Brian Bonifer and 2 brothers-Gerald and Don Bonifer. Visitation will be held from 1:00-8:00 P.M. Sunday at the Becher & Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday July 18, 2005 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ireland with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The VFW Post 673 will conduct the Military Grave side Rites. Memorial contributions may be made to: the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, St. Mary Catholic Church, or your favorite charity.