Bonnie Ralph Louk, 84, of Garrettsville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 22, 2022. He was born December 20th, 1937, in Huttonsville, W.V., to the late Howard and Nora (Bennett) Louk.
He moved to Garrettsville in 1956 where he was employed by Polson Rubber Products before joining the U.S. Air Force later that year. Bonnie was assigned to the 95th Fighter Interceptor Squadron where he served as a Weapons Mechanic at Andrews AFB. Bonnie’s Squadron was detailed with protecting the US Capital. The following year Bonnie married the love of his life and partner in crime, Marilee, on December 14th, 1957. They were married for 64 years. On January 16th, 1959, Bonnie and Marilee had their first child, Tammy. Ever the family man, Bonnie chose to leave the US Air Force in 1960 and return to work for Polson Rubber Products in Garrettsville. In 1964 Bonnie and Marilee gave birth to their second daughter, Kim. In 1971 Bonnie moved on to work for the Ravenna Arsenal as a painter. In 1976 Bonnie left the Arsenal and went to work for Paul’s Lumber in Garrettsville. Already becoming a self-taught Carpenter, he immediately excelled at Paul’s. Bonnie retired from Paul’s Lumber in December of 1999 to fulfill his dream of being a self-employed Carpenter. In 2013 Bonnie decided to hang up his tools for good and enjoy his ever growing family full-time.
Bonnie was a member of the Masonic Lodge 246 of Garrettsville, American Legion Post 193 of Mantua, Order of the Eastern Stars chapter number 46 of Ravenna. Bonnie was proud member of the Garrettsville United Methodist Church.
He was an incredible friend and family man. He was an excellent carpenter working on numerous homes in Garrettsville and the surrounding area. His work was of the utmost quality, and he always charged his customers a fair wage. Bonnie never had to worry about work or advertisement because his work/reputation spoke for itself. Along the way, he made countless lifelong friends and endless stories that could light up the room and have everyone grabbing their sides.
Bonnie loved all of his family, but his grandchildren were special. Having many grandchildren, it was difficult to attend all activities, but Bonnie always seemed to be there along with all of us enjoying some of the most incredible times with our wonderful family. Our family loved playing games and Bonnie was always the first to say he would play. Many nights were finished with swollen jaws from laughing and more stories to tell in the future. Bonnie spent his 70th birthday Parasailing in Grand Cayman and on December 14, 2007, Bonnie renewed his vows with his loving wife Marilee on a Carnival cruise in Jamaica. Bonnie loved automobiles and could always tell you a story about every make of the automobiles he owned. He owned two classic cars that have been at numerous Garrettsville car shows. Bonnie loved to laugh and talk. It did not matter if it was a friend, family member or stranger, you always felt better after a conversation with Bonnie.
Our hearts are broken today, and Bonnie will be missed by his entire family. If you were fortunate enough to know or meet Bonnie, you will know why he will be missed. We love you “Pop” and one day we will all be together again.
Bonnie is survived by wife, Marilee Louk (Long); daughters, Tammy (Rick) McKenzie and Kimberly (Michael) Polifrone; grandchildren, Tiffanie Troyer, Terra (Mike) Hill, Brandy Cushing, Megan (Vince) Gonzales, Richard (Danielle) McKenzie, and granddaughter-in-law, Megan McKenzie; great grandchildren, Hayden and Harper Troyer, Charlee, Reese, and Sawyer Hill, Jaxen Cushing, Kiera and Zoey Gonzales, Chloe, Carter, Cami and Catherine McKenzie, and Wren McKenzie, as well as his faithful and spoiled canine, Petey Louk, his Boston Terrier wonder dog.
He is preceded in death by both his mother and father; brothers, Boyd Louk, Vernon Louk, Russell Louk and James Louk; grandson, James McKenzie, and granddaughter, Meghan McKenzie.
Please join the family for a Memorial Visitation on Saturday September 3, 2022, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the United Methodist Church 8223 Park Avenue Garrettsville, Ohio 44231. A Masonic Service will be held at 1:30 PM also at the church. A Funeral service will begin at 4:00 PM with Rev. Richard Thewlis presiding. Full Military honors will follow the service.
Donations would be graciously accepted, in Bonnie’s name, to the Garrettsville United Methodist Church (for upkeep), 8223 Park Ave., Garrettsville, OH 44231, or the Portage County APL https://portageapl.org/donate/, 8122 Infirmary Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266. For online condolences, go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
