Robert "Bob" Lee Zunker

Robert Lee “Bob” Zunker passed away in his home on October 5, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with kidney cancer. He was born on December 19, 1948, in Freeport IL to Lloyd and Orelda (Stabenow) Zunker.

Bob was a 1967 graduate of Freeport High School. He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force. Bob then earned an Airframe and Powerplant (A and P) Certificate and his first of two applied science associate’s degrees from University of Illinois in Champaign in 1974. He co-owned and operated an aircraft restoration and maintenance company in Rockford IL where he developed a passion for restoration of WWII aircraft. He worked in many capacities with several unique, talented, like-minded individuals who shared his passion for aviation and engineering. Bob later shifted his focus to Aerospace Engineering during his tenure at Sundstrand in Rockford where he contributed to the development of the Space Shuttle and many commercial aircraft. After his kidney cancer diagnosis in 2007, he shifted his focus to his hobbies and interests, including woodworking with his best friend and fellow Vietnam veteran Fred Wagner; metallurgy and auto restoration with his brother Virgil, hobby farming with his sons, and O gauge Lionel railroad operation with his grandsons. Bob considered his sons to be his greatest achievements. He could be seen refereeing at soccer games and was the biggest fan in the stands at Friday night football games in Stillman Valley. His passion for engineering was passed down to them, and they have both followed in his footsteps as telephony specialists.

Bob is survived by his children, Jason Zunker and Kevin (Keely) Zunker; grandchildren, Kyle and Ben Zunker; brother, Virgil (Barb) Zunker; nieces, Sheryl and Sheila Zunker and former wife, Nancy Zunker. Preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and will be donated to the University of Wisconsin Madison Carbone Cancer Center to support patients and families affected by cancer.