Bongaarts Tournament Takes on St. Michael Saturday

Once again an entire community will rally for the family of a native son lost too soon.

March will mark the third anniversary of Joey Bongaart’s tragic death. Joey died in a tragic ATV accident in Brainerd just a month after turning 21.

He will be remembered and celebrated Saturday, with the 4th annual Joey Bongaarts Memorial Tournament at River Lanes in St. Michael.

Not a day goes by that Bob and Sandy Bongaart, Joey’s proud mom and dad, don’t miss him.

“Joey loved bowling and snowmobiling, he and I spent a lot of time together [doing those two things]. I really miss that a lot.” Bob shared with Patch prior to last year's event.

He was loved by many, as more than 1,200 people attended his wake, some of them waiting hours to pay their last respects.

“He was the best of the best,” Sandy said. She doesn’t hesitate to say she is proud to be Joey’s mom.

Joey touched many people’s lives in his job at bowling alley, where he worked as both a bowling instructor and a bartender. Just out of high school, he started teaching kids how to bowl, and he quickly connected with youth in the community.

He even gave his first bowling ball to a child looking to improve his game.

Those in the community who knew Joey remember how happy-go-lucky and joyful he was.

 “(He) always had a smile on.” Anna Heuring of Albertville said. She remembers from watching him play baseball with her brother.

To remember Joey and honor his memory, Joey’s parents and a great group of friends put together an annual memorial event.

This year’s third installment is Saturday, March 3 at , where Joey used to work and play. The event provides funding for scholarships to both and . A

lso, the SMART (St. Michael/Albertville River Lanes Team) bowlers will compete for scholarship money this spring.

There are open sessions for all ages at noon and 3 p.m.

Cosmic bowling for all ages begins at 6 p.m. At 9 p.m., Moonlight Bowling takes over, just for those 18 and up. Both of those sessions are full, but people are invited to take part in the silent auction, music and ... of course, the food.

Donations for the event are still being accepted and bowlers are still welcome for the noon and 3 p.m. sessions. Even if you aren’t a bowler, there will be food and raffles all day.

More information can be found at http://www.bowlingforjoey.com