Earl L. Bonsack

Earl L. Bonsack, 89, of La Crosse, WI died on Monday, April 1,2024 peacefully with his family by his side.

Earl L. Bonsack was born February 23,1935 in Sparta, WI to Lloyd and Lina Bonsack. Earl was the youngest of 6 children. He was raised on the family farm near Bangor, WI. Earl had a great work ethic at a young age and quit school after 8^th grade to work on the farm. Earl met the love of his life, Elaine, at a local dance hall and they were married on January 14, 1956 in Sparta, WI. They lived in Milwaukee, WI during the early years of their marriage and eventually moved to La Crosse, WI which became home for the rest of their lives. Earl worked for Elaine’s family at Anderson Moving where he learned first- hand about the trucking business. In 1963 they bought their first semi truck. One truck and one man began hauling beer from G. Heileman Brewing Co. That was the start of Earl L. Bonsack Trucking and over 60 years later with a few more trucks and a few more drivers, still proudly working with City Brewing Co. and many other companies in the area.   

Earl and his wife shared the dream of a family-owned business, which has grown to become a three generation company.  “Driving Nice since 1963” and “Living the Dream” became their favorite slogans. They looked to their Catholic Faith from early in their lives / marriage and attributed their success to their faith. 

Earl had few hobbies during his lifetime because he always worked. He did love to travel and would take the entire family on many cruises throughout the years. He also enjoyed his trips to casinos and was usually pretty lucky. It put a smile on his face when teaching the grandchildren to split or double down. 

Earl is survived by three children: Jean (Randy) Hubert of Onalaska, WI, Jane Schein of Anchorage, Alaska, and Jeff (Kelly) Bonsack of La Crosse; seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren, 15 great-grand children and one great-great-grandchild. Also one sister, Lina Parr of Kansas and many nieces and nephews. 

Earl was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Mayo Hospice for their wonderful care of Earl during the last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to St. James the Less Catholic Church or The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  

There will be a mass of Christian Burial for Earl at 11:00 am on Friday, April 12, at St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at the Burns Cemetery in Bangor, WI.

Discover me, oh my God, the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, shortness of time, and the length of eternity.