Michael Bonse

Michael “Mike” Jerome Bonse, 43, of Waterloo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by loved ones on March 13, 2026.

Born on May 13, 1982, in Toledo, Ohio, Mike was the son of Marlene Johnson (Shinaver) and was raised with the loving guidance of Keith Johnson. He built a successful career at Griffith Rubber Mills in Garrett, Indiana, where he advanced to Supervisor over 16 years and formed deep, lasting bonds with his coworkers. Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished time with his family and never missed an Ohio State football game. Known as the family mechanic, he was always ready to tinker with anything that needed fixing and was the first to offer a helping hand. His playful teasing, childish antics, and warm sense of humor brought laughter to every gathering, especially with his children, nieces, and nephews. He took great joy in spoiling his beloved dogs, Thor and Bear.

Mike is survived by his wife of six and a half years, Trisha; his daughters, Alexandra (Alex) Fluttrow (Pelletier) of Auburn, Madison (Madi) Polk of Gap Mills, West Virginia, Harmony Bonse of Auburn, and Taylor Polk of Waterloo; and his sons, Marcus Bonse of Waterloo, Wyatt Polk of Waterloo, and Brayden Bonse of Waterloo. He is also survived by his parents, Keith and Marlene Johnson of Ashley; his siblings, Angela (Angie) Eben of Bradner, Ohio, James Hafner of Montpelier, Ohio, Danielle (Nikki) Morris of Angola, Robert (Rob) Bonse of Georgetown, Kentucky, and Corey Johnson of Toledo, Ohio; and two granddaughters, Kaydence (Monkey) Aleshire of Gap Mills, West Virginia, and Anastasia (Ana) Fluttrow of Auburn. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, along with a great-niece and great-nephew.