Paul Bondarenko

Paul Bondarenko of Akron, age 97, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Rest Haven Home in Grand Rapids. Paul was born January 12, 1927 in Akron, the son of the late Fred and Lena Bondarenko. He graduated from Akron High School with the class of 1944 and later attended Michigan State University for a short course in agriculture. Paul proudly served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952. On February 12, 1957, he married the love of his life, Dawn Dakin, at Wisner Christian Community Church. Their marriage was blessed with over sixty-two years and many cherished memories until Dawn’s passing on October 26, 2019.

Paul farmed for over thirty years before going into the building and construction trade. He built many homes in the Lansing area and apartments in Petosky. After his retirement, Paul always liked to stay busy, driving sugar beet trucks during the harvest season. He loved to go for car rides and drive through the different farmlands. Paul was a wonderful artist, creating many drawings, paintings, and wood carvings. He built beautiful shelves and cabinets and enjoyed fixing any and everything. Paul’s hard work and talent will be remembered by all who knew him.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory his two sons and their wives, Paul Wayne & Mary Bondarenko and Gary Dee & Lisa Bondarenko; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Danielle, Andrew, Sandra, and Allen; great-grandchildren, Jenna, Joleigh, Joseph, and Jillian; brother, Donald (Nena) Bondarenko; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Paul was preceded in death by seven brothers and two sisters.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Wisner Christian Community Church in Akron. Rev. Evan Oh will officiate with burial held at Demorest Cemetery in Akron. Paul’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Wisner Christian Community Church or Simpson Park Camp.