James Bonnstetter

There will be a private celebration of life later this summer for James Bonnstetter, 94, of Milford.

James “Jim” Bonnstetter was born on July 31, 1929 to Opal and Ernest Bonnstetter. He passed away at Accura Healthcare in Milford, IA on March 2, 2024 at the age of 94. Jim graduated from Corwith, IA High School in 1947.

In 1948 he enlisted in the US Navy and served until 1952. In 1953 he joined the Iowa Highway Patrol as a State Trooper, assigned to District 6 in Spencer, IA until his retirement in 1987. He spent many of the later years as a Public Safety Officer. For a short time after retirement he worked as a recruiter for Northwest Community College in Sheldon, IA. Jim helped construct the new Smoky Mountain Central Railroad display in the Depot building at the Spencer fairgrounds. During the  Clay County Fair, he worked the switch board at the display.

In 1955 he married Mavis Geurink from Orange City, IA and they have lived in West Okoboji, IA for 68 years. He was a member of Faith Community Church.

He is survived by his wife and children Bridget Wahl, Bret (Karen) Bonnstetter, and Bart (Cathy) Bonnstetter; grandchildren include Michelle, Erin, Evan, Grant, Zachary, Bryce, Courtney, Dylan and Emma as well as 8 great grandchildren; brother Ron Bonnstetter, of Scottsdale, AZ. He was preceded in death by his sister JoAnn and brother Bill.