Richard Allen Bonte

Richard Allen Bonte, 63, of Downing, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 28, 1962, in New Richmond, Wisconsin, Rick was the beloved son of Sylvia Bonte and the late Richard Bonte. A proud graduate of Glenwood City High School in 1980, Rick began his career by taking over his father’s milk hauling business, sparking a lifelong passion for trucking and the open road.

Throughout his life, Rick was known for his fun-loving spirit, tireless work ethic, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. Many knew him by his radio handle, “Jake Schuster” from Madison, Wisconsin. When not behind the wheel of his semi, Rick could be found camping, riding UTV, farming, at tractor pulls, or snowmobiling. Whether on his Harley or out cruising with his favorite companion, Duke, Rick lived every day to the fullest.

Rick will be deeply missed by his wife, Peg (Heutmaker) Bonte; his mother, Sylvia (Scholl) Bonte; his daughter, Jamey Tuttle (Nate Ringstad), and grandchildren, Austin Benson, Calli Benson, Wyatt Benson, Owen Tuttle, and great grandchild, Ryder Benson, his step daughter, Jennifer (Greg) Holden, grandchildren Alexa Holden, Avery Holden, his step son, Jason (Amy) Heutmaker, and grandchild Tmar Novak; his siblings, Linda (Les) Schouten, Michael (Kelly) Bonte, Peg Bonte, and Wendy Bonte; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Bonte, and brother, Kevin Bonte, father-in law and mother-in law, Bub and Connie Hurtgen.

Ill sign off now before I start to cry—May God ride with you, 10-4, and goodbye—*Teddy Bear* by Red Sovine.

A public visitation will be held at O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin, WI on Friday, November 28th 2025 from 4-8pm.  

A private family funeral service will be held at Downing United Methodist Church with a private family burial to follow at Mound Cemetery in Downing, Wisconsin.  

A public celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Wilson American Legion in Wilson, Wisconsin from 12pm-4pm.

Funeral services have been entrusted with O'Connell Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services.