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BORN
1932
DIED
2025
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Robert Bonnell Obituary
Born: February 25, 1932 in Rock Falls, IL
Died: June 12, 2025 in Rock Falls, IL
ROCK FALLS - Robert Insley Bonnell, 93 of Rock Falls died Thursday June 12, 2025 at his home.
He was born on February 25, 1932 in Rock Falls the son of Robert Isaiah and Nellie Mae (Insley) Bonnell. Bob had farmed with his late father in the Amboy and Tampico areas, working at Geyer manufacturing also Marshall gas station in 1947. He was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the US Navy aboard the USS Missouri BB63 as a Boatswain 3rd Class. When the USS Missouri was decommissioned, he was transferred to the ice breaker the USS Burton Island AGB1 at the magnetic North pole. Returning home in 1956 to his awaiting job at Geyer Manufacturing he also worked at Red-Russ gas station in Rock Falls. When Red retired, Bob bought into his half of the business renaming it Bob & Russ service station. Bob married Audrey Mae Keller on June 6, 1956 having just celebrated their 69th anniversary.
In 1984, he purchased the former downtown Sunoco station, continuing to serve customers the "old school" way of doing business with fairness, honesty and friendliness for nearly 60 years. In 1988 he expanded the business, now called Bonnell's Repair and Towing. Bob loved being around people, talking and sharing conversations about a little of everything. Being on the road towing, Bob also enjoyed the challenges. He loved taking the family to Mtn. Home, AR for trout fishing trips and enjoyed going to the kids sporting events.
Bob had been a member of the First Christian Church in Rock Falls; the Rock Falls American Legion and VFW.
Survivors include his wife Audrey; son, Robert Paul daughter-in-law, Guadalupe Bonnell grandsons: Paul Isaah granddaughter-in-law, Carolina Bonnell, Robert David Christian Bonnell, Christopher Grant Bonnell and Victor Christian Bonnell; great grandson: Oliver Grey Bonnell; soon to be in July, Julian Isaiah Bonnell.
Preceded in death by his parents; sister Mildred Davis; brother David G. Bonnell.
Graveside services with military rites will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 20, 2025 at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Arrangements were completed by the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bonnell
Sponsored by McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Rock Falls.
5 Entries
Wayne Yates
June 18, 2025
Bob was a great friend and person he will be missed by a lot of people
Sue Helgason Gray
June 18, 2025
My family lived in same neighborhood growing up. We always could count on the family as good people! Prayers to all the family.
Ruth Petrashek
June 18, 2025
What an honor it was to have such good friends across the street from us in Rock Falls. Bob was always there to help with my parents after I left home. It was also fun and sometimes a challenge to babysit for Robert in his preteen years. I'm so sorry for your loss, and keeping you in my prayers.
Laurie Burmeister
June 17, 2025
Remembering Bob with warm thoughts. Russ and I were so blessed a few years back when you, Audrey with Bob gave us a pleasant phone call. It was two months today that Russ passed. My heart goes out to you and your family as you face the loss of your loved one.
Dan Korstick (Frito-Lay)
June 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Bob was a great, genuine man.
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McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Rock Falls1002 12th Avenue, Rock Falls, IL 61071
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