Donald Joseph Bohnsack, 91, of Galena, IL, sadly passed away on March 26, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his wife and children. A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of the mass. Military honors will be presented at the church following the conclusion of the mass by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The burial will take place at a later date, as cremation rites have been accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Donald was born on December 16, 1933, to Benjamin and Catherine (Yackey) Bohnsack. He graduated from Galena High School and, in 1953, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps with 10 other young men from Galena. He was stationed in California and Korea during the Korean War, achieving the rank of sergeant before being discharged in 1955. After his return from military service, he began his career as a State Trooper for the Illinois State Police, serving for 26½ years until his retirement. On October 3, 1970, he married Dorothy Vandermillen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque. Together, they purchased a 100-acre farm on the outskirts of town, which they operated with the support of their friends and family. After many years of hard work, Don and Dorothy transitioned from farm life to build a home in the city, where they spent the next 37 years. Don’s retirement was short-lived, as he took a job as a tour director for Tri-State Tours. This position allowed him to explore all corners of the country while entertaining travelers on the buses. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and took many pheasant-hunting trips to South Dakota with his friends. He had a deep love for birds and could quickly identify all the various visitors to his bird feeders, ensuring that the birds at his home were well-fed, often better than any other dinner guests. Don is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy, and his children, Maria Bohnsack of Moweaqua, IL, and Andrew (Molly) Bohnsack of Madison, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Darlene, Delbert, Helen, Leroy, Violet, Loretta, Delos, and Jane. A special thanks goes out to Don and Dorothy’s wonderful neighbors—Mark and Jamie Moran, Dan Balocca and Lauren Knapp, and Larry Cording—who have shown tremendous love and support over the years, and to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angela, Michelle, and Jill for their care. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Dubuque or St. Jude’s in memory of Don.
Donald J. Bohnsack
I am very sad to learn of Don’s passing. Please know I’m thinking of all of you.
Dorothy and family, I am sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sending you hugs, thoughts and prayers 🤗🥰
I first met Don when my Great Aunt and Uncle Grebners were sheriffs. My Grandmother, Ada, was the cook at the jail and some of the State Police would stop in to eat and I was lucky enough to be there and was in awe, to be able to eat with all the police officers that were there. Never forgot Don as he was a great guy.
I will always remember Don whistling. He loved to whistle. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort and strength to all of you.
Dorothy & Family
So sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He was a good man. I admired and respected him. Our thoughts are with you.
Dorothy and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. He was one of the good ones! I have great memories of him helping me with my little Corvair, which always seemed to have slipped the fan belt and he always was there to help me fix it? He was like a guardian angel for my car. He always had a smile on his face, and I know that he will be missed.
He is in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you and your family. God bless.
So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Such a nice guy & friend of our family.Loved his smile always too! Dorothy you gave him great care I’m sure. Hugs to you & sending prayers your way.
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I knew him from LeFevre Inn which I managed for 7 years. He gave me my days off and helped with maintenance. In the last many years I’ve been in touch with him through Facebook. He enjoyed my birding and nature pictures. I was always happy to hear from him. After reading comments I just wonder if there was anything he couldn’t do. Seems like he had a very full life. Love and prayers to his family and especially sweet Dorothy. Rest in peace Don.
Sending love and sympathy to his family. I worked with at the ISP D/16. Such a great guy and always so kind.
Sending deepest sympathy to Dorothy, Maria, Andy. Donnie was my neighbor when i loved on High Strret. His sister, Jane & I were good friends, His mom was a great cook. When I was having computear problemas, I called Donnie. He will be missed.fom Houston, TX, Ruthue
My husband, Gary Cording, was a driver for Tri-State Tours and enjoyed having Don as a tour guide. Whenever we ran into him, Don always had a great smile and enjoyed a good conversation about trips they shared. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family.
We Love you very much. Our prays are with you.