Fritz “Jerry” Gerald Bonewald

Fritz “Jerry” Gerald Bonewald , age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025 in Victoria, TX. He was a loving & devoted husband, the ultimate role model to his sons, & a playful & encouraging Grandpa. “Coach Bone” was a motivational, joyful & inspiring coach to his students & athletes. Jerry was born on July1, 1949 in Falfurrias, TX to Henry Bonewald, Sr. & Clara Francis Hart Bonewald. Jerry graduated from Hallettsville High School in 1967, Victoria College in 1970 & Southwest TX State University in 1972, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He worked a multitude of jobs in order to finance his education. He always had an admirable work ethic, while also enjoying life to the fullest. His positive attitude was infectious. Jerry began his 39 year public school teaching & coaching career in Hallettsville from 1973-1978 teaching History, P.E., & Industrial Cooperative Training, while coaching football, basketball & tennis. From 1979-1984 Coach Bone was the Shiner High School Football Defensive Coordinator, JV Basketball & Head Baseball Coach winning the 1981 Baseball State Championship. In 1984 he went back to Hallettsville for 10 years as the Athletic Director/Head Football Coach while also coaching Powerlifting, Boys & Girls Golf, & Boys Track. 1995-1996 Coach Bone coached at Cuero High School as a Varsity Football Assistant, Head Powerlifting & Head Baseball Coach. He then accepted the Athletic Director/Head Football Coaching position at Poth High School where he enjoyed 12 years of a very successful athletic program supported by the Poth Pirate community. Coach Bone retired as he left Poth. After one year he returned to coaching as a part-time Football Assistant working 4 years with his son, Mike, at Boerne Champion High School. Mike accepted the Brazos Consolidated Athletic Director/Head Football Coaching position & Jerry followed as an Assistant Football/Head Girls Softball Coach for 2 years before retiring from coaching again. Jerry enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s various school/sporting activities & spending time with extended family & friends. He also loved playing dominos, belonging to a weekly domino group, playing poker, playing as often as his health allowed including in the hospital, & maybe most of all, fishing on his beloved boat, “Big Red”, with his sons, Greg & Mike, family & friends. Jerry married Johannah Voskamp on July 7, 1973 at First United Methodist Church in Hallettsville, TX. They were blessed with 52 years of marriage, celebrating their “50th” together with family on a beach vacation as Jerry’s pancreatic cancer was being diagnosed. We are very grateful for the following 2 years together. Jerry is survived by his wife, Johannah Bonewald of Victoria, their sons, Greg Bonewald & his wife Wendy of Wimberley, & Mike Bonewald & his wife Brandy of Cuero; 6 grandchildren, Hallie Bonewald, Sydney Bonewald, Logan Bonewald, Grayson Bonewald, Tyler Campise & her husband Sal, & Tanner Carroll; brothers, Jack Dale Bonewald & his wife Lynda of Indiana/New Zealand, Gary Bonewald & his wife Shirley of Wharton, Ricky Bonewald & his wife Kimberley of Corpus Christi, & Bobby Bonewald of Hallettsville; Step-Mother Dorothy Bonewald of Hallettsville & many beloved nieces & nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Francis Hart Bonewald, father, Henry Bonewald, Sr. & brother, Henry Bonewald, Jr. A Celebration of Life honoring our beloved “Coach Bone” will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Blase’s Hall, 4228 US Hwy 90-A West, Hallettsville, TX. Jerry donated his body to UT Health McGovern Medical School Willed Body Program.