August 17, 2018

Ed will live on through his breakthrough work, The Myth of the Lost Cause. So very important, not only to professional Historians, but to the Public at Large in finally setting the record straight…in a thorough, fact-based manner. Future generations are indebted to him.
My sincere sympathies to the Ed’s extended family.
 

March 08, 2018

It takes a while for sad news to reach us here in Colorado. We fondly remember Ed’s talk to our group last year and the presence of his lovely wife Susan.  This is a very depressing loss for our history community.
The Rocky Mountain Civil War Roundtable

February 01, 2018

Dear Sue,
I am so sorry to hear about Ed’s passing.   Working for him was such an incredible experience in my government career.   He had a gift for managing, but more important, encouraging those that worked for him to learn more and go further.   He was a friend to so many of us.  Other than telling my family how happy I was to have had the priviledge of working for him, the greatest thing he taught me was that when the work day is over, you go home to those you love.
My sincerest sympathy, Gail
 

January 20, 2018

Susan: I just learned of Ed’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. I worked with Ed while he was my book review editor at Civil War News and very much appreciated his assistance, mentoring, and collaboration. The “Civil War Community” has lost a valued member who will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.
John Foskett
 

January 05, 2018

Our Thoughts and prayers for his family.  Ed was always a welcome speaker at our Hershey Civil War Roundtable programs.  We have lost a great friend in the Civil War Community.
Members and Friends of Hershey CWRT, Hershey, PA 

January 04, 2018

Please accept my sincere sympathy and condolences for the passing of Mr. Bonekemper. I was a former history teacher and I recently was a student in a class that Mr. Bonekemper held at Millersville University’s Ware Center/Millersville Lifelong Learning Institute. The class was called, “The Myth of The Lost Cause…” It concerned the post-Civil War reinterpretation of the causes of the American Civil War. The class was extremely interesting. I subsequently read two of Mr Bonkemper’s books. I had several interesting conversations with him during and after class. I even spoke with him briefly when I saw him on the street during one of Lancaster’s “First Fridays.” I also read, and completely agreed with, a recent “Letter To The Editor” that he wrote that was in the Lancaster Newspaper. I found him to be an erudite gentleman, scholar, teacher, and author. I am so sorry that such a keen mind is now stilled. The influence of his scholarship and teaching will continue to be felt by this former teacher and by all of those who value the history of America…
Douglas Webb

January 01, 2018

Dear Sue,
 
We were so saddened to learn of Ed’s untimely passing, especially after having joined him for dinner in September, where he was his usual energetic, humorous, and thoughtful self.  It was an honor and a privilege for me to have served as a pre-publication reviewer of Ed’s Civil War books, which made attending his Smithosonian talks all the more enjoyable.  Ed was an amazing lecturer, never bringing any notes with him, giving his rapt audiences the impression that he had actually witnessed the battles he was discussing.  Ed was a dear friend, and we will greatly miss him.
 
Much love,
Steve and Kasey Farbman
 

December 26, 2017

Dearest Mrs. B,
We are saddened to hear of Mr. B’s passing.  We keep you in our prayers. Hold you close in our hearts.
Our lives are richer having known your wonderful husband.  We will come see you soon.
Hugs and lots of love,
Jane, Jay, Megan, & Emily, too.

December 23, 2017

Dear Sue,  so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing.  He was a dear friend and we will miss him.  We will keep you in our prayers and will contact you in the New Year.  Love, 
George and Tina Whitney

December 21, 2017

Dear Susan,
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Ed. We did not know him for long but we always enjoyed time spent with him. We appreciated his wit, intelligence and zest for life. Ed gave us a new appreciation for the Civil War with our visits to Gettysburg and Antietam. He will be missed by many but most especially by you, Susan, his wonderful wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. 
Tracy & Ron Benenson 

December 20, 2017

Professor Bonekemper was my favorite college professor – he really knew his stuff, and his encouragement and challenges helped me to grow as a student of history and as a writer.  It was almost ten years ago, but I wrote the college paper that I’m most proud of for one of his classes because he motivated me to fully apply myself.  
Sincerely,
Brian Sechrist

December 20, 2017

Dear Susan,
I left a message on your cell phone but I wanted to express our deepest sympathy for Ed’s passing.  I have been thinking about you every day since I read the email from you even though I read it a little late.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the future.  I did get a copy of the obituary from the internet.  Depending on the weather, we will try to get to the service.
Love, Sandy & Harvey
 
 

December 20, 2017

Dear Sue,
My husband Rich and I are so saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. Ed was the most influential person in my career. He hired me for my first legal job, and was a terrific manager, mentor, colleague, and friend. Ed was always positive and upbeat, and had a great sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. 
Sincerely, Mary Crouter
 

December 20, 2017

December 20, 2017
Dear Sue,
My prayers are with you at this time of your bereavement.  I believe that this poem says it all.  I have a feeling there’s one more star up in the sky tonight.  And even though it’s far away, its brightness and warmth still reach us here to make the night a little less dark.  With My Deepest Sympathy.
Mable Scott (His Assistant for a very long time)  Love You!!!

December 20, 2017

Dear Sue:  There is a hugh empty part in my heart.  The Obit is beautiful.  Thank you for all rhe wonderful memories you and Ed shared with George and myself over the years,  Indeed, he WILL be missed.  Please take care of yourself.  May all of your tomorrows be filled with the  memories you  and Ed shared.  I feel both happy and blessed having the privelege to having known him.
MUCH LOVE,
Joan
 
 

December 19, 2017

Dear Sue,
   Joanne and I express our deepest sympathy to you. Our friendship with Ed and you was very precious. Ed was a very special cousin and we shared so many happy moments during our youth. He was a loving individual with a great understanding of the important aspects of life. Ed and you were such a great couple and shared so many joys together. We share your loss and look forward to seeing you soon. Love Always, George and Joanne

December 19, 2017

Dear Sue:  With better timing, Ed and I could have begun our friendship either at Yale or in the Coast Guard.  In practice, we didn’t begin it until both of us were fixing to retire from Federal service.  If either of us had speculated on the matter, we’d have recognized that no such friendship could last many decades.  But I’d still have hoped, without untoward selfishness, for two or three decades.  So his death comes as a huge disappointment (as well as, on account of its unexpectedness, a shock).  I expected him to check some of my wilder surmises about the War of the Rebellion, and he invited me to “paper the house” at Amazon or elsewhere with a favorable review or two when he published another of his paradigm-changing books.  I was happy to oblige beause of our friendship, however late-blooming, and I could oblige with a clear conscience because of the unvarying excellence that informed his scholarship.  Now I’m not even sure I’ll renew my membership in the Smithsonian, since his appearances were my main reason to stay in good standing with the Institution.  I mourn his loss for my sake and yours.  Patrick Judd (“Paddy”) Murray    
 

December 19, 2017

For four decades Ed was a friend and mentor, first professionally at USCG, then personally in pursuit of our shared Civil War interest. His books, and remembered conversations over many field trips, will always be a source of inspiration. Kathy, Erin and I send our heartfelt sympathy to all of Ed’s extended family, especially to Sue who we love dearly. There are no words adequate to express our sorrow. James MacDonald

December 19, 2017

Dear Sue,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this deeply sad time. Ed was a great boss, mentor and friend. I truly enjoy our DOT alumni luncheons when he was in town to give one of his Civil War presentations. We enjoyed discussing your latest travels to some fun location and how there seemed to be a surprise on very trip.
Best Wishes during this difficult time.
Robert A. Monniere
 

December 18, 2017

 
Condolences to Susan, family, and friends of Edward Bonekemper,
 
I am so disappointed to learn of cousin Ed’s passing.  Growing up, he was always the cousin all of the younger cousins looked up to with his scholarship, service in the military, and leadership in life.  His caring nature and willing dedication to the Bonekemper family will be greatly missed. 
 
Our thoughts of prayer and sympathy go out to all who miss him.
 
Bob and Lynn Ziegenfuss
 

December 18, 2017

Dear Susan and Family,
Please accept my sad condolences on Ed’s passing. He was well-loved and respected at the Quarryville Library and his service there was invaluable.
Let me know if there is anything I could help you with in the future.
You two shared many wonderful years together and I know you will dearly miss your life-partner.
Sadly,
Linda Walter

December 18, 2017

Dear Susan and Kenneth,
On behalf of Muhlenberg College, I want to express our sincere condolences on Ed’s passing.  I have heard many reports from members of the Muhlenberg community regarding what a terrific man Ed was and recalling his many contributions to Muhlenberg.  We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
John I. Williams, Jr.
President, Muhlenberg College

December 17, 2017

The American Civil War community will miss a prolific contributor, although Ed’s outstanding work, through his many books, will enlighten our knowledge of that histroic period forever.  Philadelphia sports will miss one of its greatest fans and supporters.  I will miss our trips to Phillies games, but I am thankful that I had an opportunity to join in on these the past few baseball seasons.  I will fondly recall a great historian, a great sports fan, and a friend.
John Valori

December 17, 2017

Dear Susan,
We are truly sorry for your loss. 
Jack and Vesta Phiel