Rudolf Wilhelm Bonnenberg

Rudolf Wilhelm Bonnenberg passed away November 3, 2010 in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. He was born August 23, 1930 in Essen, Germany to Christine "Adele" Adelgunde Buch and Wilhelm Theodor Bonnenberg. He came to Westerly, Rhode Island in 1951 and was naturalized in New London, Connecticut in 1957. Rudolf served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean war. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Post #576 and the American Legion Post #0056 of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Industrie Schule in Essen, West Germany. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Idaho and a Certification in Project Management. Rudy worked on the U.S.S. Nautilis, the world's first nuclear submarine, at the Electric Boat Shipyard of General Dynamics Corp. in Groton, CT. He was later employed at the Aerojet Nuclear Co. and EG&G at the Idaho National Environmental Engineering Laboratory. His positions included assignments in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. His skills and interests also presented opportunistic ventures such as the ownership of the Western Café in Driggs, Idaho, as an Industrial Engineering Instructor at the University of Utah, and as the engineer designer of his vacation "cabana" at the El Dorado Ranch in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. Despite his many accomplishments, Rudy was a private and modest man. He was an avid reader who enjoyed boating and the companionship of dogs and horses. He is survived by his wife, Beth nee Grover of Idaho Falls, ID, a sister, Adelgunde "Gunda" Twardon of Essen, Germany, his children: Diane Peter Bindig of Pennsauken, NJ, Kurt Dorothy Bonnenberg of Runnemede, NJ, Brad Mary Bonnenberg of Pennsauken, NJ, Troy Kathleen Bonnenberg of Vineland, NJ, and Dawn Bonnenberg of Gulfport, MS; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; his stepchildren: Launie McQueen of Park City, UT, R. Leo Connie Herbert of Ammon, ID, Tom Kathy Herbert of Rexburg, ID, and Elizabeth "DeDe" Herbert of Providence, RI; 17 step-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews and their families of Essen, Germany. Cremation was done in Mexico. Family and friends are welcome to attend the burial service at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at the Washington Crossing National Veteran's Cemetery in Newtown, PA. A memorial mass will be held in Essen, Germany on May 28, 2011.

Rudolf Wilhelm Bonnenberg

August 23, 1930 - November 3, 2010