Erwin W. ‘Bill’ Fonk, 74, Burlington, died Feb. 5, 2014, at his residence. He was born Aug. 8, 1939, to the late Irwin and Kathryn (Hoppe) Fonk in Burlington where he spent his early life. He attended St. Charles Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. While in high school he joined the Naval Reserves. After high school he attended Marquette University for a year. He then became active in the Navy and was on duty from July 24, 1959 through July 14, 1961 serving on the USS Ability MSO-519 wooden minesweeper. He then went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.
On March 18, 1995, in Burlington, he married his soul mate and the love of his life, the late Karen (Rubenstein) Miller Fonk. He taught at Muskego High School and at Ethan Allen School for Boys in Wales. He taught in the Industrial Arts Department; woods, metals and auto shop and was very much loved by his students; some of which were known as the “Metal Shop Mafia.” He was a member of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, American Legion Post 79, and the Lion’s Club where he volunteered to transport donations for the Wisconsin Eye Bank for many years. He was voted Lion of the Year and volunteered with the Lions Club at Chocolate City Festival. He was a member of the NRA, and Carpenters Local Union in Janesville.
In his spare time he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed deer hunting, was an avid reader and a tool connoisseur in both wood and metal workings. He was a gifted carpenter, always refurbishing old machinery in his basement.
Survivors include his children, James Fonk and Peter Fonk, both Burlington; grandchildren, Austin Fonk and Caitlin Fonk, Burlington; one great-grandson on the way; siblings, John, Texas, Ellen Brenton, Burlington, and Noelle (Kevin) Booth, Brookfield; brother-in-law, Donald (Joyce) Knudtson, Madison; and best friends Mark Pieters and Steve Vandervest.
A very special heartfelt thank you goes out to James and Peter Fonk who lovingly cared for their father while he was in hospice, along with the staff of Aurora VNA Hospice of Burlington, for all their care and concern.
A Memorial Mass is Saturday, Feb. 15, at 12:15 p.m., at St. Charles Catholic Church with the Rev. Steve Amann officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon, at the church. An Inurnment for both Bill and Karen will take place at St. Charles Cemetery following the service. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory, Burlington, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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