Bernard A. Bonkalski, age 78 of Naperville, passed away February 4, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife of 17 years, Patricia; children Michael (Georgine Bosak) and Katie (Matthew) Smith; children through marriage Babette (William) Sanders, and Christopher (Theresa) Whitney; grandchildren Beatrix, Charley, Ryan, Margaret, Eileen, Gwen, Jacob, and Lauren; and brother Frank (Jeanette) Bonkalski. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith (d. 2006).

Bernie was born April 9, 1945, in LaGrange, Illinois to Stanley and Clara (Geraskey) Bonkalski. He and Judy married in 1968 and moved to Bolingbrook in 1970, raised their family, planted deep roots, and were active parishioners at St. Dominic Catholic Church.

For more than 40 years, Bernie and his business partner, John Singletary, owned and operated the Bolingbrook Pharmacy where he administered to the needs of his customers and the community.
His love for his family could only be matched by his love of enjoying the outdoors—especially in Hayward, Wisconsin, where he spent nearly 60 years up north boating, fishing, sailing, and snowmobiling with friends and family on Round Lake.

Post-retirement, Bernie and Pat spent their time between Naperville, Hayward, and Peoria, Arizona. They travelled the world—including Paris, Italy, the Greek Islands, London, and Spain. Their restless spirits kept them on the move, allowing them to enjoy life with family, friends, and supporting their grandchildren in their activities.

Visitation Friday, February 9, 2024, 3 to 8 p.m. at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium, 530 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL, with Funeral Mass Saturday, February 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary, Naperville. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society at https://mobileacs.org/bsuag3 would be appreciated. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetary, Hillside, IL at a later date.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.