Robert A. Shonk

Robert A. Shonk, age 94, died peacefully in his sleep after a long illness on January 15. Bob was born in Logan, Ohio, in 1931, and lived most of his adult life in Evanston, Illinois, and Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army in the 1950s. After earning accounting degrees from the University of Notre Dame (Bachelor's) and DePaul University (Master's), Bob served as the finance director of the City of Evanston for twenty-seven years (1971-1998). The city received a AAA bond rating in 1973 and maintained it throughout his tenure. As finance director, Bob was widely respected for his quiet integrity and high ethical standards.
In 1967, Bob married Marguerite Delacoma, and they enjoyed a beautiful marriage for 58 years. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his pride and joy. A lifelong Catholic, Bob volunteered for the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Athanasius Church in Evanston for many years. He loved to read, go on walks, and long driving trips. He was a passionate Notre Dame football fan and rooted for the Cincinnati Reds as well.
Bob's family is indebted to the administration and staff of the Memory Care Unit of The Carrington at Lincolnwood where, in his last years, he received their unfailing kindness and professionalism. We are also grateful to Bristol Hospice for easing his last months.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Charles Shonk and Grace Murtha Shonk. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite Delacoma; his three children, Katherine (Victor Hernandez), Robert, and Carrie (Chris Kranz); his sisters, Sister Grace Shonk, CSC, Martha Laughlin (the late Michael), and Rosemary Brandl (the late Thomas); his grandchildren, Evan and Lillian; his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Andries and Wynne Delacoma; his brother-in-law, Steven Nidetz; and many beloved nephews and nieces.
Visitation, Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., at St. Athanasius Church of St. John Henry Newman Catholic Parish, 1615 Lincoln St., Evanston.
Private Interment, Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Bob's name to the Jim Raeder Helping Hand Scholarship, which helps students from Logan High School in Logan, OH, achieve a college education.
Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to leave a condolence message. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.