Kirk Douglas Bonnell, 63, of Hoschton, GA passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital of Savannah in Savannah, GA.
He was born on July 27, 1962 in Logansport, IN to Larry D. and Judith M. (Planck) Bonnell. Kirk lived in Star City, IN through age five when his family moved to Illinois.
After graduating from St. Charles High School in 1980, Kirk enlisted in the US Air Force. He served on active duty for five years (which included 18 months in Okinawa, Japan) and one year in the reserves. Upon returning from Japan, Kirk was in a tragic car accident that forever changed his life. Despite the many challenges he faced, Kirk pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana, IL.
While in school, he played on the wheel chair rugby team. After college, Kirk continued to participate in wheel chair sports, even trying out for the United States Paralympics Team. Kirk never let his disability hold him back. He worked hard and faced each day without fear. Kirk spent most of his working career as a salesman in the medical supplies industry.
He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. In his younger years, Kirk enjoyed fishing and had special memories of fishing with his grandparents at Lake Bruce.
A recent passion of his was caring for his yard and attempting to grow a garden in the hard Georgia clay. Kirk inspired others with his never-give-up attitude and friendly personality. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by:
Larry D. and Judith M. (Planck) Bonnell, St. Charles, IL Parents
Kim Abern, Clearbrook, MN Sister
Andrea Bonnell, St. Charles, IL Sister
Sarah (husband: Ben) McCurn, Niece
Brian (wife: Michelle) Abern, Nephew
Matthew (wife: Bailey) Abern, Nephew
Caitlynn McCurn, Great Niece
Devin McCurn, Great Nephew
Ethan McCurn, Great Nephew
Emily Bonnell, Aunt
Shirley Robertson, Aunt
Sharlene Planck, Aunt
Many Cousins
Thomas Brady, Hoschton, GA Longtime Friend & Roommate
Preceded in death by:
Kenneth Wayne Bonnell, Infant Brother
Kenneth and Elsie Bonnell, Paternal Grandparents
Wayne and Marie Planck, Maternal Grandparents
Gary Bonnell, Uncle
Barbara Sipe, Aunt
Virginia Wise, Aunt
Ronald Planck, Uncle
James Planck, Uncle
Dale Planck, Uncle
Visitation will be from 4-8 PM EST Friday, February 20, 2026 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM EST Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Burial will take place at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The USAF, VFW, and American Legion will conduct Military Graveside Services.
Memorial Contributions may be made to The National Spinal Cord Injury Association or Winamac VFW Post #1728.
Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangement have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary (305 E. Main St. Winamac, IN 46996
