Wilfred John ‘Butch’ Bond
Negaunee
Wilfred ‘Butch’ Bond, 90, of Negaunee, passed away peacefully at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility’s Serenity Room in Ishpeming on Monday morning, August 25, 2014, where he was a patient for four days.
Butch was born in Negaunee on June 13, 1924 to the late William and Helen Bond. He graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1943. Soon after graduation Butch enrolled in the US Navy and served during World War II. While in the Navy, he became an Aviation Machinist Mate and was assigned to the USS Cabot. Butch became a Turret Gunner on a Torpedo Bomber and participated in many torpedo strikes during the War. While on one of his missions, his plane was shot down in the Sea of Japan, near Midway Islands. Butch and his two crewmates were in the Ocean for over 24 hours before being rescued. At the conclusion of the war he received several honors. These include The American Area Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, Air Medal Star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 11 stars.
Upon returning home from the War, Butch began working for Cleveland Cliffs. He worked for CCI for 40 years, retiring in 1982 as a general foreman in the pellet plant. Butch was a lifetime member of VA Romo Post #3165, V.F.W, Negaunee, as well as a member of the Dead River Campers Association. Butch enjoyed wood working and spending time at his camp on the Dead River Basin, and most importantly enjoyed his grandchildren and took pride in their accomplishments.
Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Bette (LaForest) Bond; daughters, Linda (Jim) Larson and Debbie (Jim) Vilona; grandchildren: Jamie (Dan) Skewis, Dean (Gwen) Larson, Kimberly (Ryan) Gerndt, and Brad (Sarah) LaForest; great-grandchildren: Luke and Jillian Skewis, Brayden and Max Larson, Gavin and Payslee Gerndt, and Parker LaForest; brothers-in-law, Ron (Lenore) LaForest and Terry (Janet) LaForest; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Butch was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Marie Latterman, Lucille White, and Dorothy Palmer; brother, William Bond; and brothers-in-law, Albert and Jack LaForest.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 28th at the Koskey Funeral Home with Monsignor Peter Oberto officiating. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:30 am until the time of services at 1:00 pm at the funeral home on Thursday, and also at a luncheon following the service in the St. Paul School Gymnasium.
Butch’s family would like to thank the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, Lake Superior Hospice, and Dr. Tom Massey for their kindness and support in taking care of their husband, dad and grandfather.

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