Karl Helmut Bonn

Karl Helmut Bonn, 88, passed away peacefully March 3.

Born Aug. 11, 1937, in North Hampton, New Jersey, Karl was the son of naturalized German immigrants Paul L. and Louise Bonn. One week after graduating from Hampton High School in 1955, he followed a calling to service and joined the United States Navy.

Karl’s 22-year Navy career began in personnel administration aboard the U.S.S. Northampton and with Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 771. After becoming a radioman in 1961, he specialized in global communications, serving a diplomatic tour in Rio de Janeiro and supporting Vietnam War operations at the Fleet Air Support Unit in U-Tapao, Thailand. He concluded his distinguished service as a communications systems manager in San Diego, retiring honorably in 1977.

After serving in the Navy, Karl was accepted into the apprentice program at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and relocated to Washington State. He contributed his expertise to the nuclear Trident-class submarine program at Bangor until his second retirement in 2003. Ever industrious, he earned his Journeyman Marine Pipefitter certificate from Olympic College in Bremerton and continued working until his final retirement in 2012.

Karl was deeply committed to his community. He was a founding member of the Key Peninsula Fire Department, where he volunteered as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for over 23 years. Afterward, he continued his spirit of service as a volunteer tax assistant and AARP Tax-Aide volunteer.

Karl was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Gail Ann Bonn. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Garry Potter; nephew, Glenn Potter; and niece, Laura Moore.

A celebration of Karl’s life will take place April 25, 1 p.m. at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 South Vaughn Rd NW. Karl and Gail’s remains will be interred together at Tahoma National Cemetery.