Alan Ray Bawinkel, 66, of Freeport was born to eternal life on September 30, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He has been reunited with the love of his life and best friend, his wife Bonnie who passed on September 27th. Al was born on November 9, 1955 in Freeport to Norma and Russell Bawinkel. He grew up on the family farm in German Valley and farming was one of Al’s passions. He graduated from Forreston High School in 1973 and attended Highland Community College and studied Business Management. He married Bonnie Wright of Freeport on May 15, 1982 at Faith United Methodist Church. Al was a proud member of and Captain at the Freeport Rural Fire Department for 36 years. He lived out his passion for farming by working for Keith Hinrichs Family Farms for over 20 years. He was known for taking sunset pictures from the combine and sharing them with family and friends.
Al enjoyed woodworking and working with Bonnie to bring her craft visions to life. He was an avid hunter and an honorary member of the Cedar Hunt Club. He found time in the garage with friends just as enjoyable as time in the woods or on a lake. Al enjoyed fishing trips with family and friends along with bowling and softball (in his early days). He was an avid fan of all teams Chicago and NASCAR. Al was known for lending a hand and would do the tasks that most didn’t want to. He would give you not only the shirt off his back - but his entire closet.
Al is survived by his two children Daniel (Angela) and Jimmy (Amanda) Bawinkel. Grandchildren, Bentley (11), Laney (9), Gunnar (8), Shiloh (6), and Chance (1). Bonnie and Al loved those Grandbabies, and their spirit, generosity, and love for life lives on in them. Also survived by his brother, Gary (Leigh), his sister Pam (Steve) Greenfield, his brother in law Bob Wright and sister in law Sally (Tracy) Prouty along with many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Bonnie and Al will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Faith United Methodist Church, 1440 S. Walnut Avenue in Freeport, IL, 61032. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at the time of the service. A luncheon will follow at the Cedarville Fire Station, 220 W Oak Street in Cedarville, IL 61013. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Freeport Rural Fire Department.
