Patrick Edward Bonser, age 53, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 22, 2016, at his home in Palmer, Alaska surrounded by his family.

Memorial service was held in Palmer, Alaska on October 28, 2016. Local Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.

Pat was born July 29, 1963 in Sioux City, Iowa and was the middle child to Edward “Bud” and Lela Bonser. He was a 1981 graduate of Sargent Bluff Luton High School. Upon graduation Pat joined the United States Air Force. That summer a woman stole his motorcycle and his heart. Pat married Karen Garrison November 6th 1982. The military took them to Luke Air Force Base Arizona. They welcome their daughter Kara, in October of 1985. Shortly after the military brought the family to Eielson AFB, Alaska where their Alaskan adventure began. March of 1989, he welcome a son, Zachary.

Pat worked as a weapons troop on the flight line. After 23 years of service, Pat retired in fall of 2004 from Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska. Although not ready to give into retirement he worked for Emergency management for the State of Alaska. Pat truly lived life to the fullest through his many jokes, wilderness adventures, making memories with family and friends and giggling with the grandchildren. Pat had the uncanny ability to make people laugh and reach people in a positive way. He was a devoted husband, father, gummy “grandpa”, and avid outdoorsman. Pat’s favorite things were being with family, trips to the cabin, fishing in Valdez, hunting in Fairbanks and wearing flannel.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, Kara, Kyle and Kyndel Cahill; Son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons Zach, Melissa, Killian and Knox Bonser; Mother, Lela Bonser; Brother and sister-in-law Mike and Connie Bonser; Sister, Ann Hawksworth; and many nieces and nephews.

Patrick joins his father Edward Bonser in heaven.