Bonesteel, John S.

John S. Bonesteel, 85, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab in Vinton, following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. Sixth St., Vinton, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, with the Rev. John Albertson officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery near Shellsburg.

John was born at the family home in Shellsburg, July 12, 1927, son of Vesta and Katie (Weisert) Bonesteel. He graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1944 and took over farming his grandfather, Steve Bonesteel's farm at the age of 16. He was a farmer all his life. John cared for his mother, making a home for her as well as his brothers and sisters after her husband's death in 1937, moving to Jones County for 25 years. They moved back to Benton County, where she passed away in 1992.

He is survived by his brothers, Oliver (Marguerite) Bonesteel of Green Castle, Pa. and Robert (Marilyn) Bonesteel of Toddville; his sisters, Daisy Roehr of Marion and Marjorie Nearmyer of Zeeland, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Ila, Rut and Mary Jean; two nephews; and five nieces.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Condolences may be at: .

Published in The Gazette Feb. 20, 2013.