Obituary for Michael J. Bonafield
BONAFIELD
Michael J., age 78, of Apple Valley. Preceded by sister: Katherine Miller and brother: J. William Bonafield. Survived by loving wife: Linda J. Bonafield, children: Michael J. Bonafield II, Victoria (Daniel) Jarvis, Alexandra (Anthony) Coniaris, Jennifer (Evan Kingston) McDougal and Kirsten (Thaddeus) Gulden, grandchildren: Ellie, Peter, Charles, Owen, Cedar and Rowan and sister: Doris Ann Hutnick.
Michael was a veteran newspaperman – one for whom it was a calling and a career, not a job -- and his experience and respect as a writer and editor spanned 50 years. In his 20s, he got his start at William F. Buckley’s National Review magazine and went on to hold newspaper jobs domestic and abroad at The New York Daily News, The Washington Times, the Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C., and two stints at the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, from which he retired. He wrote from Moscow during the fall of the Berlin Wall and as a wire desk stalwart he edited stories during the Mideast wars of the 1990s and the horrors of 9/11 and its aftermath.
In addition to his newspaper work, Michael was an avid reader and a history buff…both of Russian History as well as the Civil War. He contributed many book reviews which were printed in the Star Tribune. He was a consistent friend to many, often being a source of encouragement toward sobriety. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
Funeral service at ST. MARY’S ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 1701 5th Street NE Saturday at 10 AM with visitation one hour prior. Livestream link will be posted to funeral home website. Interment St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery. Family prefers memorials.
Michael J., age 78, of Apple Valley. Preceded by sister: Katherine Miller and brother: J. William Bonafield. Survived by loving wife: Linda J. Bonafield, children: Michael J. Bonafield II, Victoria (Daniel) Jarvis, Alexandra (Anthony) Coniaris, Jennifer (Evan Kingston) McDougal and Kirsten (Thaddeus) Gulden, grandchildren: Ellie, Peter, Charles, Owen, Cedar and Rowan and sister: Doris Ann Hutnick.
Michael was a veteran newspaperman – one for whom it was a calling and a career, not a job -- and his experience and respect as a writer and editor spanned 50 years. In his 20s, he got his start at William F. Buckley’s National Review magazine and went on to hold newspaper jobs domestic and abroad at The New York Daily News, The Washington Times, the Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C., and two stints at the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, from which he retired. He wrote from Moscow during the fall of the Berlin Wall and as a wire desk stalwart he edited stories during the Mideast wars of the 1990s and the horrors of 9/11 and its aftermath.
In addition to his newspaper work, Michael was an avid reader and a history buff…both of Russian History as well as the Civil War. He contributed many book reviews which were printed in the Star Tribune. He was a consistent friend to many, often being a source of encouragement toward sobriety. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
Funeral service at ST. MARY’S ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 1701 5th Street NE Saturday at 10 AM with visitation one hour prior. Livestream link will be posted to funeral home website. Interment St. Mary’s Orthodox Cemetery. Family prefers memorials.