George Gonnion

George Lee Gonnion, age 87, of Pillager, MN, passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2025, surrounded by family and his beloved dog, Sophie. A devoted husband, loving dad, respected teacher, and dedicated coach, he lived a life rooted in hard work, kindness and unwavering love.

Born May 9, 1938 in Billings, MT George spent his childhood with his half-brother Fred (Skip) Benning, in Winona, MN where he developed a deep love for the Mississippi River and sports. He was known to his classmates as George Benning before enlisting in the US Army. After his proud service as a decorated member of the 82nd Airborne, George was reunited with his two other half-brothers, Fred Gonnion (Betty) and Burl Gonnion (Sally) in Cody, WY after years of seeking each other out.

George spent his career shaping the minds and lives of young people both in the classroom and on the football field in Beaver Dam, WI, as a committed 9th grade science teacher and football coach, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students with his passion for Science Fairs and rock collections. As the defensive coordinator of the 1979 State Championship Team, Coach Gonnion inspired countless athletes to strive for excellence by putting in the work with a team-first ATTITUDE. He genuinely loved and respected the people he taught and coached with and beamed with pride when his students went on to pursue successful careers in the sciences and as his former athletes accomplished success after high school.

More than his professional accomplishments, George was known for the deep love he shared with his wife of 64 years, Mary, and the pride he took in being a father to his five children – Christopher, Scott, Mark, Mya, and Jason. He will be remembered for his warm heart and steady guidance that anchored his family.

He is survived by his wife Mary (Christenson), his children Christopher Gonnion (Lori), Scott Gonnion, Mark Gonnion (Mikki), Mya Bohan (Harold Frick) and Jason Gonnion (Shannon), his 14 grandchildren, Joshua Gonnion (Kathryn), Nicholas Gonnion (Cassie), Levi Gonnion (Kelsea), Canyon Farnsworth (Amanda), Nathan GOnnion )Stephanie), Tylor Connion, Samantha Gorron (Bob), Alexander Bohan (Megan), Madeline Bohan, Annalisse Bohan, Corrine Hoy (Brett), Maxwell Gonnion, Macy Gonnion and Anabel Gonnion, his 13 great grandchildren, his half brother Skip Benning, and a wide circle of friends, former students, and colleagues who were touched by his life.

A memorial service will be held at Pillager Lake Park in the summer of 2026, where friends and family will be invited to celebrate his life before retiring his ashes at Fort Ripley Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.

George’s legacy lives on in every life he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.