Married the widow Christina (Koch) Boesenberg in 1862, with young son, Fred.; then married the widow Margaretha (Koch) Landgraf in 1874. (The 2 wives may have been sisters.)

Source: Family's paid death notice ...

Death Notice.

Theodor Bongers. - Friends and acquaintances, we have the sad news that our dearly beloved husband, father, and father-in-law, Theodor Bongers, on Thursday, April 16, at 11:00 in the evening, at the age of 63 years, 5 months, and 13 days, after a long illness, is not resting in peace. The burial will take place on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 from the mourning residence, No. 273 Fourth Street. Your thoughtful condolences are requested for the mourning bereaved: Margaretha Bongers, wife; Andreas and Eddie, sons; along with relatives.

Herold [Milwaukee, WI] 17 Apr 1896.

[Contributor: Gary R. Rebholz, 47731744]

Obituary:

Theodor Bongers, deceased.

Organist for the first Military Chapel in the City of Milwaukee.

At the age of 63 years, the well-known Mr. Theodor Bongers died Thursday evening of a long illness, in his home, No. 273 4th Street, at the age of 63 years. The deceased, a musician by trade, came to Milwaukee in the early 1850s. He founded the first music band here under the title "Bongers Band", which he conducted until three years ago, when increasing illness prevented him from doing so.

When the "Lady Elgin" sank, "Bongers Band" was on board and it was only thanks to a lucky coincidence that he did not accompany his band himself that day, as was usual.

He belonged to the Humboldt Lodge No 19, J.O.O.F., and was a member of the Musicians Union. A widow and two sons survive him. The funeral will take place on Sunday from the funeral home.

Milwaukee Herold 17 Apr 1896.

[Contributor: Gary R. Rebholz, 47731744]