Charles "Chuck" C. Bona

Charles Conrad “Chuck” Bona, a resident of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and formerly of Gurnee and Hinsdale, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on November 27, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dr. Adolph Aloysius Bona, Sr. and Mae H. (Pieczynski) Bona, Chuck grew up on the southwest side of the city at 61st and Karlov. He was the youngest of four children, joining siblings Dr. Adolph A. Bona, Dr. Jerome R. Bona, and Kathryn (Bona) Rybinski Prus.

Chuck came from a family deeply rooted in medicine. His father and brother Adolph were physicians, and Chuck, alongside his brother Jerome, followed a similar path, pursuing careers as dentists. A proud alumnus of the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1957) and Marquette Dental School (1961), Chuck went on to serve as a Captain in the Air Force before establishing his dental practice in 1964 at 6500 W. Archer Ave. in Chicago.

In June 1960, Chuck married the love of his life, Cele (Briick) Bona, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned nearly 65 years. Together, they raised three children—Stephen (1963), Maria (1965), and Joseph (1970)—and built a family filled with love and laughter. Chuck’s devotion extended to his grandchildren—Jessica Archer, Colin Archer, Shane Archer, Meaghan Archer, Mae Bona, and Charles Bona—many of whom spent cherished summers with him at the Lake Geneva Beach Association home his parents purchased in 1944.

A man of many talents, Chuck had a lifelong passion for live theater. In 1978, he joined The Theatre of Western Springs, where he remained active until 2020. He wore many hats—actor, director, playwright, and sound production specialist—while also serving as Chair of the Board of Directors on two occasions. His contributions to the theater were as boundless as his creativity. He was also a member of The Second City in Chicago.

Known for his gift of storytelling and tremendous sense of humor, Chuck brought joy to everyone around him. His wit and warmth left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Adolph and Mae Bona; his siblings, Dr. Adolph, Dr. Jerome, and Kathryn; his infant children, Tobias, Ann Marie and Rosemary, and also his son Stephen; and his granddaughter, Jessica Archer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cele; his children, Maria Archer (John) and Joseph; and his grandchildren, Colin, Shane & Meaghan Archer and Mae and Charles Bona.

Chuck Bona’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and service—a life well-lived that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you donate in Chuck's name to St. Judes. or to the Theater of Western Springs, IL.

A Memorial Mass for Chuck will be held on Friday June 6th, 2025, at 11:30am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.  Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00am on June 6th.  There will be a time for continued fellowship and celebration of Chuck at Celebration on Wells in Lake Geneva immediately following the church service.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Bona family.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
262 Danny Thoma Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

The Theater of Western Springs, IL.
Web: https://theatreofwesternsprings.com/donate/