A native of Mexico City, Mexico he became a naturalized citizen of the United States after serving in the United States Army. This allowed him to use the G.I. Bill like so many of his “Greatest Generation.” He chose to study Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. He worked at General American Transportation Corp, Pullman-Standard and Trinity Industries where he specialized in freight car design and stress analysis for the railroad industry.
Joe was a 1947 graduate of Roosevelt High School in East Chicago, IN. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1952.
On December 30, 1950, Joe married the love of his life, Edna Mae (Leber) Bonda with whom he raised 4 children, Rebecca Bergs, Muncie, IN (Husband: Randall- deceased), Karin Bowman (husband: Eric), Buford, GA, Joseph G. Bonda (wife: Bea) New Orleans, LA, and Joy Bell (husband: Andrew) Lawrenceville GA. He was also the grandfather of seven amazing grandchildren, Kelli Smith (husband: Dustan) Muncie, IN, Jacob Bergs, Muncie, IN, Sarah Bowman, Buford, GA, James Bowman, Madison, AL, Angelina Karczewska, Chicago, IL, Joseph Bell, Spartanburg, SC and Andrew Bell, Lawrenceville, GA. Three precocious great-grandchildren Autumn, Micah and Essilee Smith of Muncie, IN round out Joe’s immediate family. Preceding him in death are his parents Jozef and Rosa Bonda.
Joe was an active member of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Lawrenceville, GA where he served as a tenor in the choir, a lay worship assistant, a member of Gold and Silver fellowship group and the designer of the sanctuary cross. His work there will be a blessing for generations to come.
Services will be held at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018. Family will greet visitors beginning at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Bob Mitchell will officiate the celebration of Joe’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to Christ the Lord Lutheran Church or Kindred Hospice Foundation.
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