Gary Bonk graduated from Bogan High School in 1964, where he was an outstanding athlete, earning All-City honors as an outfielder. He worked for US Steel for six months before enrolling at Illinois State University in January 1965. After not making the baseball team in college, he decided to join the track team, where he threw the javelin. He graduated with a degree in physical education and drivers ed.

His first job was teaching at Dunlap Grade School in Central Illinois. In the summer of 1970, he interviewed for a job at Carl Sandburg High School where he stayed for 33 years.

Gary began coaching girls basketball in 1982. Over the next 17 years, he compiled a record of 377 wins and 122 losses. He always said coaching was enjoyable; the girls were hard-working and their parents were very supportive. Many conference and regional titles were won during his 17 year career. Most notably, the 1997-1998 team went on to place fourth in the IHSA State Tournament.

Gary resides in Oak Lawn with his wife Donna. Next year, they will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. He enjoys traveling, watching sports and exercising. He is very proud of his three children who are all educators.