Arthur K. Bonekemper

LANSDALE - Arthur K. Bonekemper, 74, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Arthur's lifetime employment began while in grade school, when he raised chicks and ducks and sold eggs. He also mowed lawns and shoveled snow for neighbors, as well as working as a printer in the family print shop. This strong work ethic allowed him to purchase his first car at age 16. After high school, he proceeded with the printing trade when he "set type" for the Nuremberg Trials for the U.S. Government. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served most of his four years at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kan. While in Kansas, he "set type" at the local newspaper. After being honorably discharged, Arthur worked in newspaper print shops across the country. He returned to the Norristown area and worked at the Phoenixville Sun. He then began his vocational education career in the Philadelphia School District, and furthered his education at University of Pennsylvania, LaSalle College, and Penn State College, finally graduating with a Masters Degree from Temple University. Despite his age of 74, Arthur had plans and dreams for the future, which were drastically changed upon being diagnosed with lung cancer. Arthur's interests included baseball, especially the Phillies. He had a very friendly personality and made friends very easily. Arthur collected baseball caps, coffee mugs, and antiques. Arthur, along with his wife, was an R.V. enthusiast and they enjoyed many trips and adventures together. He was proud of his 53 year Masonic membership in Charity Lodge 91. He was a past Grand Tall Cedar of Norristown #31, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Radiant Chapter 96. Arthur was past President and Secretary Treasurer of District 10 OPO of Tall Cedars of Lebanon and President of The Cedar Club. He was a kind and gentle man who loved children and animals, especially his Standard Poodles. Arthur was born September 4, 1934, in Norristown, and he was the son of the late Arthur P. and Hilda Mae (Kondla) Bonekemper and the beloved husband of Charlene Grim Bonekemper. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Charlotte E. Mintzer of Reno, Nev., and two special friends, Mr. Dudley and Pep Pep. Relatives and friends are invited to Arthur's Life Celebration service on Saturday from 12 noon to 1:45 p.m. at Boyd-Horrox of East Norriton, 200 West Germantown Pike. Services will begin at 2 p.m. A graveside service will take place on Monday, May 18, at 2:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Stonepile Cemetery in Red Lion. Prior to the graveside service, a viewing will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at Life Tributes by Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion. Full military honors will be provided by York County Veteran's Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur's name can be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, c/o Pete Updegraff, East Adair St., East Norriton, PA 19403.