MICHAEL GERARD BONNEL
MICHAEL GERARD BONNEL
09/25/1961 – 09/03/2025
It is with both sorrow and joy we announce the passing of Michael Gerard Bonnel – sorrow for those of us left behind who miss Michael and joy for Michael who is at peace with his Heavenly Father, to whom Michael devoted so much of his life.
Michael was born to Ron and Judy Bonnel, his father’s little “Tiger,” the only boy among 6 children. From an early age, Michael set himself apart through his brilliant, inquisitive mind, from reading the entire set of encyclopedias in elementary school and junior high, to raising sea horses to rewriting his Junior High English textbook to correct the many errors. Michael’s brilliance was both his blessing and
his curse. His love of a mental challenge was matched by his love of the Beatles! What a tragic day when they announced the band’s breakup. A national day of mourning for Michael.
Michael fully surrendered himself to God around junior high. Michael’s faith led him to be an altar server and, ultimately, to joining the Society of St. Pius X Seminary, first in Ridgefield, Connecticut and then to Écône, Switzerland. Michael excelled in his studies, including his research at the Vatican Libraries, including the Pope’s Private Library. He acquired a cosmopolitan, European education while in Écône.
After five and a half years at the Seminary, Michael, who never questioned his faith, questioned his calling. Michael left the Seminary, but never left the Church. He returned to Houston and worked in various service industries, serving others, from retail sales associate to airline flight attendant to airline customer service/flight developer to butler/personal assistant. Michael remained steadfast in his faith, serving as altar-server and working with the Church.
Michael moved to Dickinson, Texas to be close to the sacraments. There, he attended daily Mass until his health began to decline. Even when his health would not permit him to attend Mass, he would unite himself to the Holy Sacrament while it was taking place.
Michael’s love and devotion to God or his family and friends was unwavering. Regardless of the many challenges in Michael’s life, he never once turned from God – only drawing closer and relying more upon his faith in God’s enveloping love of us. His faith was the number one priority in Michael’s life. Thus, it is only fitting that, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church, Dickinson, Texas.
Michael is survived by his parents, Ron and Judy Bonnel, his sisters, Barbara Bonnel Anderson (Tracy), Jerrie Anne Bonnel Weldon (David), Katherine Bonnel Courtney, Lisa Marie Bonnel, and Suzanne Bonnel Schlicher (John), his nieces and nephews, Ryan Wilkenfeld and Kelli Nicole Wilkenfeld McKinney (David), Matthew Weldon, Mark Weldon (Andrea), Alexandra Nicole Courtney, and Samantha Schlicher, and great-niece and great-nephews, Ethan McKinney, Braden McKinney, Nora Weldon, McCoy Weldon, and Carter Wilkenfeld, and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Also, Michael is survived by his beloved friends and Church family, including his neighbor, Dustin, and Donna Dixon, and numerous others, too many to list here.
Rosary and Requiem Mass will take place at 10:30 AM Tuesday, September 09, 2025, at Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church in Dickinson, Texas, followed by internment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Michael Bonnel was a close friend of mine over the past few years. We shared many, many conversations in person and over the phone. He was all about the Church and could answer any question I had and also offered advice. He knew so much he could never get it all out. He also prayed,cared and hoped for the best in everyone he knew,especially the younger ones. What a great friend to have on your side.
Truely a man who loved the Church. God speed Michael.
Gary Dixon
Michael Bonnel loved his faith and was an exceptional human. He was a man that was full of so much knowledge regarding many things, especially church doctrine and history. Our Creator created him with an amazing intellectual mind that is very rare. He handled all of life’s trials and tribulations with great humility and resilience. My brother Gary loved his conversations with Mike and they often left him laughing long afterwards. He is a soul that can never be replaced here on earth. I believe he has received his heavenly reward and can finally be at peace.
May his family and friends be comforted during this time and we will always remember you, Michael Bonnel. Donna Dixon
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bonnell, Please accept my condolences at the loss of your son Michael, he was a kind and generous soul. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I shall keep him as well as your family in my prayers. May he rest in the peace that he worked for.
W.R. Dugas
Dear family Bonnel !
As a condisciple of at the seminary, as the priest in charge of QoA at Dickinson when Michael came back , I want to extend my deepest and warmest condolences to you .
I do remember Michael well and his spontaneity , his gorgeous smile and love for a Christ and the beauty of the church .
May he rest in peace, and enjoy soon the vision of our dear Redeemer and Saviour !
Fr Eric Simonot , presently at a boot camp with recruits !
My deepest condolences to the Bonnel family. For the last 3-4 years I have been Mike’s neighbor. He was a very interesting person and so smart. When he would see me walking my dogs he would call me Dr Doolittle and make a couple jokes. He had a giving heart that would I think sometimes get him in a bad spot because he was probably too trusting of those that look to take advantage of him. Even though people would take advantage of him it never changed how he loved to help people even though he didn’t have much of means to. He would open his RV to a stranger to sleep in the other room. Then when that person overstayed their welcome he would call me to scare the person off lol. So many fun stories he definitely made this last 3-4 years interesting for sure
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike, but my mother called me today and told me some amazing stories. What a life this man has lived! It may not be my place to write my condolences, but I believe a star as brilliant and bright as this, deserves every acknowledgement in the world. May he rest in eternal peace and continue to be a light in both this world, and the next. I’m sad I never had the amazing opportunity to meet you, Mike, but I will now and forever listen the Beatles a little bit differently.
Dearest Bonnel Family,
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Our hearts and thoughts are united to you. We are praying that you receive extraordinary comfort in the loving arms of the Sacred Heart. Prayers will be offered for the repose of Michael’s soul!
Love,
The Grieco Family