Robert Bonthron Obituary

Name: Visitation for Robert Bonthron
Start: 2013-12-13T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2013-12-14T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - The Ahlgrim Chapel

Robert J. Bonthron, 91, of Elmhurst. Beloved husband of Dorothy nee Mennecke; fond father of Scott (Letitia) and Brett (Jane); grandfather of Sydney, Jameson and Charlotte; brother of John "Jack" (Deaneann) Bonthron and the late Jean Bonthron, Bonnie Bonthron and Ruth Templin. He was a Professor from 1946 - 1991 at the Illinois Institute of Technology where he also served as Dean of Students for a period of time. He had a tremendous sense of humor and loved to share stories and memories. Visitation at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday and at Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 314 W. Vallette St., Elmhurst from 9:30 A.M. until time of service at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, December 14. Interment Washington Reformed Presbyterian Memorial Church Cemetery, Elgin. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be appreciated for the church. Funeral Info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bonthron

7 Entries

March 20, 2014

Dear Dorothy, Scott, and Brett, 20Mar14

I just recently learned of the passing of your husband/father. Believe me, I would have attended the services had I known in time.

In 1977, I was a broke and floundering engineering student at U of MO, KC and was notified that the program there was losing it's accreditation. Needing full time work, a general re-boot, and a complete engineering program at night, I transferred to IIT.

Your husband/father "scooped me up" dug into my complicated transcripts with me and helped make this major transition for me happen. Never did I feel like a 2nd class citizen thru all of this and your father's sense of humor and ability to put people at ease relieved any anxiety I felt coming into the situation. Later, I had your husband/father for his pet course, Mechanical Vibrations. This course was both fun and inspiring and launched me on a path in that area of engineering that I still work in today. At IIT my GPA increased by a point, I graduated with honors, and after 10 yrs in industry, have had my own consulting practice for the past 25 years. Also, for the past 10 years I have been working on a PhD in engineering at IIT, part time. In short, my engineering career has been great and your husband/father got me launched.

I have had many professors and instructors over the years, but the name Dr Bonthron resonates in my head like none other. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to thank him for what he did for me, both academically and personally, although I should have. At this point, this will have to do.

I am so sorry for your loss and wish everyone the best in the Bonthron clan. God bless Dr Bonthron and all of you.

regards,

Kevin J Coughlin PE
CAE Associates, Inc
President and Chief Engineer
2106 East Saint James Street
Arlington Heights, IL
60004
847.398.8050 (o)
847.398.8051 (f)
224.805.1881 (cp)
[email protected]

Heather Shinpaugh

December 13, 2013

Bob was always such a kind and welcoming person to me. I loved him like a member of my own family. I wish I could be up there for the service. Sending you lots of love from NC.

Mark Schlosser

December 12, 2013

Mrs. B, Scott, Brett and families, so sorry to hear about Mr. B's passing. I have very fond memories of him during our time together at Epiphany, especially those Sunday afternoons at basketball. He was always a pleasure to be around and greeted everyone with a smile. I'm sure he and my dad are picking up where they left off.

Eileen and Tom Ward

December 12, 2013

Dorothy and Family: Tom and I send sincere sympathy to you all on your loss of Bob. He was always a gentle giant in stature and in warmth. Serene and stately, he inspired peace and understanding. Peace to you all, Eileen and Tom Ward -- Stratford Ave. dwellers until 2003

Alan Slothower

December 12, 2013

Brett and Scott your father will be missed. He was a very wise man and I enjoyed being around him as I was growing up.

Paul Jaskowiak & Family

December 12, 2013

Scott/Brett and family - Sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our family's prayers.

sally lyon

December 12, 2013

Scott, Letitia & Sydney,
I am so very sorry for your great loss. I fondly remember meeting your father. Indeed a great man who will be sorely missed. I send you many hugs across the miles. Much love, Sally Lyon and family.

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