Robert Eugene Bonnell

January 13, 1935 - February 24, 2018

Robert E. Bonnell, age 83, of Sublette, died Saturday, February 24, 2018. He was born January 13, 1935, in May Township, Lee County, Illinois, the son of Harold and Lucille (Vincent) Bonnell. He served in the Army from 1954-56 in Germany and Italy. On August 11, 1962, Bob married Marilyn Cook at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mendota. Bob worked at Illinois Central Railroad as a Warehouse Clerk and then a supervising Pressman at Wayside Press in Mendota prior to his retirement in 1993. He was also a cook at the Coachman Inn and at Pete's Place in Sublette. He stayed active in the community serving on the Sublette Fire Department for 45 years as a firefighter, EMT and board trustee. He was elected as a Sublette Village trustee for more than ten years. Bob was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sublette. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife; 3 children Alice (Keith) Klein of Sublette, Angela Bonnell of Normal, and Timothy Bonnell of Sublette; 4 grandchildren Matthew Klein, Katie Klein, Sean (Ashley) Klein, and Brady Bonnell; 2 great grandsons Waylan Klein and Jude Klein; 1 brother Harold (Carol) Bonnell Jr. of Sublette; 3 sisters Dorothy (Donald) Lemmer of Sublette, Marilyn (Bill) McGrane of Iola, WI, and Cathy (Gary) Bauer of Oregon; many nieces and nephews. Bob was a lifelong Green Bay Packers and Chicago White Sox fan. He loved playing games with his family, creating stained glass windows, and researching Bonnell-Vincent genealogy. He always had a joke to share in-person or online with his many Facebook friends around the world. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. Words alone could never describe the impact he had on so many lives. The world will be a sadder place without him. He will be missed by many. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018, at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sublette, with the Rev. Randy Fronek officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in Sublette with Military Graveside Rites by the Amboy American Legion. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the church with the Rosary recited at 3:30 PM, and also on Friday, from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM in the church. A memorial has been established by the family.