Karl Bonfert, 84, died peacefully with his family at his side. He was adventurous in heart and lived a rich and varied life. Karl was born in a German settled region of Roumania in the city of Kronstadt (Brasov). After he met Elsie, a nurse who cared for him as a wounded soldier, he moved to Germany where they were married. In 1949, with their baby daughter, they immigrated to San Francisco. He became an accountant at UNIVAR Co. In 1964, he moved to Gilroy as controller for Be Ge Mfg. His hobby of photography became a profession when he and Elsie began a business of wedding and commercial photography. They also sold many of his artistic scenery pictures.
Karl was an active member and past-President of the Gilroy Rotary Club and enjoyed the interaction with his Rotary friends. He was also a Mason and Shriner. He loved his family and friends and telling his life stories to anyone who was interested.
Karl is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elsie, his daughter Rosemarie and husband, Gernot Leitzinger; grandchildren Peter Leitzinger and Christa and her husband Vincent Ivanocovich, and great-grandsons, John & Mark. He also leaves his twin brother Henry Bonfert and wife Elfriede; nephews Ulrich and Martin Bonfert. He was preceded in death by sister Lize Novy.
Memorial Services Wednesday, April 11, 2007 – 11:00 A.M. at the Habing Family Funeral Home.
Family would appreciate donations to Gilroy Rotary, P.O. Box 1912, Gilroy, CA 95020 or your favorite charity.
