Franklyn Bonn Obituary

NEW CARLISLE, Ind. - Franklyn George Bonn, Jr. Ph.D. died peacefully on July 9 at Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle, Indiana. He was 93.

Frank was born in Minneapolis, MN, the eldest son of Franklyn and Henrietta Bonn. In early childhood his parents recognized his exceptional intellectual promise and nurtured his wide range of interests.

After earning his B.S. degree Summa Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota, Frank received the prestigious Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, entering the Master of Political Science program at Duke University. He returned to Minnesota to obtain his Ph.D. in Political Science, specializing in Latin American Studies.

Frank's distinguished teaching career began at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, followed by professorships at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA and Indiana University, South Bend where he retired as Professor Emeritus.

In addition to his academic life, Frank held a deep love and reverence for nature. For over 40 years he spent each summer at the Darwin Ranch south of Jackson, WY where he lived in a remote cabin and led horseback trail rides for guests. He also enjoyed time at his 50-acre property in Colorado as well as canoeing in the Boundary Waters of upper Minnesota, enjoying the silence and solitude in the midst of great beauty.

Frank's love for animals, especially dogs who had been traumatized, was legendary. He had a unique gift for healing through his loving and patient care, allowing his pets to live a life of dignity.

As an athlete, Frank played handball at the highest competitive levels and ran 13 major marathons into his 80s, regularly winning races among younger runners.

After moving to Three Oaks, MI he helped with the formation of the Three Oaks Rotary Club (now the Rotary Club of Harbor Country) and was a charter member. He also hosted a radio show focusing on two of his passions, politics and opera and frequently lectured to community organizations, entertaining audiences with his piercing intellect and wry wit.

Frank will be remembered as a lively raconteur, socializing at his favorite haunts with a wide variety of loving and loyal friends. Cheers to his long, well-lived life!