Remembering Carl Bonice: A Life of Laughter, Dedication, and Heart

On September 25, 2023, the world lost Carl Bonice, a man whose warm smile and generous spirit touched everyone he met. Though we’re saddened by his passing, Carl’s obituary on Legacy.com reminds us that a life well‐lived leaves behind stories worth celebrating.

The Man Behind the Obituary

“He made every room brighter,” writes a longtime friend of Carl’s in his obituary. Born in 1952 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Carl grew up with an insatiable curiosity—tinkering with radios at age eight and teaching himself photography by the time he was twelve. After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering, he spent 35 years at Summit Tech, where colleagues remember him for his problem-solving prowess and trademark dad jokes.

• Family First: Carl married his high school sweetheart, Diane, in 1973. Together, they raised three children—Mark, Julia, and Beth—who describe him as “the ultimate coach, both on the baseball diamond and in life.”
• Community Champion: Weekend barbecues, Habitat for Humanity builds, neighborhood cleanups—you name it, Carl was there. His commitment to giving back earned him the “Volunteer of the Year” award from the Cedar Rapids Civic League in 2018.
• Hobbyist Extraordinaire: From classic car restoration to brewing homemade root beer, Carl believed in diving headfirst into every passion. He once built a fully functional treehouse for his grandkids—complete with electricity and Wi-Fi!

Lessons We Can Steal from Carl

Carl’s obituary isn’t just a list of dates and accomplishments—it’s a blueprint for living fully. Here are three takeaways we can all borrow:

1. Cherish Relationships. Whether it was a quick coffee with a coworker or a multi-generation family reunion, Carl never took time with loved ones for granted.
2. Pursue Curiosity. He once said, “If you’re not learning something new every day, you’re snoozing through life.” Don’t be afraid to try that pottery class, learn a language, or tinker in the garage.
3. Give Back. Small acts of service—delivering meals to seniors, coaching youth baseball—add up. As Carl showed, volunteering can be as simple as showing up with a smile and a helping hand.

The Art of Writing an Obituary

Crafting an obituary that honors someone’s spirit can be both meaningful and therapeutic. If you’re ever asked to write a eulogy or obituary, consider these quick tips:

• Keep it Personal. Highlight anecdotes that capture the honoree’s personality—Carl’s treehouse saga is a perfect example.
• Stick to the Essentials. Date of birth, passing, survivors, and funeral arrangements are key, but don’t let formality overshadow warmth.
• Invite Reflection. A short quote or favorite saying—like Carl’s “learning every day”—gives readers a moment to pause and reflect.

For a deeper dive into obituary‐writing best practices, check out the National Funeral Directors Association’s guide: nfda.org, or browse Funeralwise’s obituary planning tips.

Finding Comfort and Community

Loss can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Carl’s family found solace in sharing stories—both the tear-jerkers and the side-splitters. If you’re navigating grief, consider:

• Local Support Groups. Organizations like GriefShare offer free, weekly gatherings where you can connect with others who truly understand.
• Online Communities. Modern Loss provides candid essays and resources on grief, perfect for those late-night moments when you need a virtual friend.
• Creative Outlets. Writing a letter to your loved one, assembling a photo album, or even volunteering in their honor can be powerful ways to process emotions.

Share Your Memories of Carl

Whether you knew Carl from his “Dad joke” reputation or from that epic chili-cooking contest he hosted every Super Bowl Sunday, we’d love to hear your favorite Carl‐stories. Drop a comment below to celebrate his impact and keep his memory glowing!

Further Reading & Resources

• How to Write an Obituary (Legacy Advice, 2024)
• National Funeral Directors Association (up-to-date funeral planning resources)
• Modern Loss (real talk on grief and loss)

Carl’s story reminds us that life is best measured in moments of joy, acts of kindness, and memories shared. Here’s to honoring his legacy—one smile, one story, and one day at a time.