Jack Bongey was an amazing man who was blessed with an amazing life, family, friends, career and most of all the precious love of God. We rejoice that the Father called him by name and took him home to heaven on July 15, 2010, where he is reunited with so many people who loved him here on earth. His family had the incredible experience of escorting him with awe and thanksgiving on his final journey. Always the teacher, Jack was a living lesson to the end, showing us how to live for eternity. "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth" (Colossians 3:1-2). We invite you to share your memories of Jack on this website. We know that every person who knew him was touched by his faith, compassion, sense of humor, warm smile, devotion, wisdom, organization, detail-mindedness, leadership and joy in serving others. He celebrated every special occasion and accomplishment in the lives of his family and friends with pride, delight and always a big hug or pat on the back. Jack was so proud of his family. Although in the last six or more years of his life, Alzheimers kept him from experiencing all the joys and accomplishments we shared, he now knows us again, and is delighting in all the stories that his friends and family already in heaven are sharing with him. His family here is rejoicing in the place he will always have in our hearts. Isabel, his wife of almost 56 years, and the love of his life, was able to send him to heaven with singing his favorite songs in his last week on earth. God gave Jack and Isabel the incomparable gift of being together at St. Margaret Hall for his final journey. All who knew Jack can recount of his deep love for Isabel. There are not enough words in the universe to capture the adoration and love that he had for his three daughters, Margaret, Mary Jean and Michelle (the 3 M's). He made them who they are. His affection and unconditional love knew no bounds. He was always there, always encouraging, challenging, rewarding, bragging on his girls.and making sure they stood up straight! His sons-in-law always knew the important job he had passed on to them in taking care of his girls. They loved his humor and jokes, and they learned so much from him. His grandchildren tell story after story of their PawPaw. He took them on trips, celebrated every milestone, was so proud of their education, and generally spoiled each one. His retirement years were devoted to them, and he loved every minute of being a grandfather. He will always watch over them from heaven: Sarah (and Garret) Swartzentruber, Robert Chambers, James Bongey, Amy Behlert, Katie (and Brent) Kruithof, Joy Behlert, Jocey Ottlinger, Ryan Chambers, and Jacob Ottlinger. Jack now knows that he has three great grandsons, and we can just picture his huge smiles for Mason, Jack and Noah. They will always know of their Great Grandpa in heaven. Jack was the only son of Ralph and Mattie Bongey, growing up in Menominee, Wisconsin with his four sisters: Betty (Balkovich), Gretchen (Hawke), Natalie (Eder) and and Rosann (Bongey). He was the beloved Uncle Jack to every niece and nephew on both the Bongey and Peterson sides of the family. He loved to organize reunions and wouldn't miss a wedding, funeral, or other family occasion. In his last six years, the staff at Arden Courts (Kenwood) grew to love and cherish "Mr. Jack." His family will always remember the loving kindness given to him, especially by Pam and Rosemary, who were his caregivers in "Boathouse" during his entire time there. In his last days here on earth, the staff and Carmelite Sisters of St. Margaret Hall, as well as Hospice of Cincinnati, sweetened the journey in countless ways we can never repay. Jack gave the responsibility of writing his obituary to me, his oldest daughter Margaret, "the journalist" in the family. It is impossible to capture Dad's life on paper. Dad was always prepared for everything, so of course he left me some notes and his resume to draw from. Jack followed in his father's footsteps as an educator. He retired from his 38-year career with Cincinnati Public Schools in 1987. "Mr. Bongey" had a tremendous impact as a teacher and guidance counselor at Hughes High School (1956-1964), Schwab Junior High School (1964-1974), Porter Junior High School (1974-1982), and Withrow High School (1982-1987). He was a "Summer Teller" for 5/3 Bank 1957-1974. Jack was a member of Nativity Parish in Pleasant Ridge for 44 years. The parish was blessed by his dedication to Parish Council, the CCD program, the Spiritual Renewal Committee, the Funeral Choir, and The Nativity Players. He was a charter member and Treasurer of the Nativity St. Vincent de Paul Society. Jack was the first Board of Education president for Nativity School; and past Board of Education president for Regina High School. He was past president of the Pleasant Ridge Local School Advisory Committee, and the Greater Cincinnati Personnel and Guidance Association. Jack loved to volunteer. Organizations that benefited from his love of serving include the Crisis Helpline, Veteran's Hospital, and the Kings Men Choral Group. An avid bowler, he kept every booklet summarizing statistics from his years with the Schoolmasters Bowling League, from 1956 to 2004. He served his country in the Korean War, and enjoyed long service to the 78th Army Ordinance Depot Co. The Bongey family invites you to join us for Visitation at Gilligan Funeral Home (Kenwood) Sunday, July 18, 6:00-9:00. We will celebrate Jack Bongey's life with a Mass of Christian Burial Monday July 19, 11:00 at Nativity Church. Memorials may be made to Nativity St. Vincent DePaul, Hospice of Cincinnati, or St. Margaret Hall (1960 Madison Rd.).

Service

Sunday, July 18, 2010 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Gilligan Funeral Home 3734 Eastern Avenue Cincinnati 45226, United States

Service

Monday, July 19, 2010 11:00 AM Nativity Church 5936 Ridge Avenue Cincinnati 45213, United States