Robert "Bob" Bonnell

Bob Bonnell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the age of 72 in Spirit Lake, Iowa where he had lived for nearly 50 years. Bob was born in Sioux City, Iowa on July 14, 1954 to parents, Donald Bonnell and Alice (Hood) Bonnell. Fifteen months later a baby sister, Ann, became Bob’s built-in playmate.

Due to Bob’s father’s position in the government, the family was transferred to Omaha, then Chicago and finally to the Washington D.C. area where Bob graduated from Woodbridge Senior High School. Soon thereafter, the family moved to Spirit Lake and their new house. But, no matter where Bob and his family lived, they always returned to Iowa to visit their relatives with lots of cousins where fun and many high jinks always ensued.

Because of a disability, Bob always lived with his parents. But that didn’t keep him from driving a car, or working at the many different jobs he had from restaurant work to operating rides in Arnolds Park to driving disabled kids to school. Bob had an excellent memory to the point that he could remember even the tiniest details about events from decades ago, kind of like a family historian. Bob loved listening to music (mostly rock and roll) and singing hymns at Mass. A devout Catholic, Bob’s faith in God never wavered but sustained him despite the many challenges and setbacks that he experienced. His example, as well as that of his mother’s, also helped to ground his nieces in a strong faith in God.

Bob was a very kind-hearted, patient, and friendly guy. He was fun-loving and very social, like his dad. And he was a family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family. When his nieces were born he was absolutely elated with these new tiny people. When they were old enough, he loved taking the three girls swimming in the lake, lifting them up and tossing them back into the water, jumping off the dock and just having a great time. Bob had a special bond with his mom and dad. After his dad passed away in 2006, Bob continued living with his mother and was very devoted to her, helping her around the house, shopping for her groceries, taking her to appointments and church and generally enabling her to continue to live at home despite being in her 90’s. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 105.

About 6 years ago, Bob entered Accura Care Center, in part due to his declining ability to walk without help. In time, he developed friendships with many of the nurses, aides, and other staff members as well as many of the residents. He was a sharp dresser and liked to wear a hat, scarf, some jewelry and even sunglasses. He’d wheel around in his wheelchair, greeting staff and residents and saying complementary and funny things to them. He really made them smile.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Accura and St. Croix caregivers and support staff, and to the parish community for the tenderness, patience, and dignity with which they cared for Bob.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Donald J. Bonnell and his mother, Alice Marie Bonnell.

Bob is survived by his sister, Ann Nalley and husband, Greg Nalley, his nieces Colleen McClain, Laura (Josh) Gerdes, Katherine (Kevin) Bauer, and his grand nieces and nephews, Madeline McClain with fiancé Ryan Hazelett, Jack Gerdes, Odin Gerdes, Cora Gerdes and Graham Bauer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Saturday, Sept. 5th at St. Mary's Church in Spirit Lake with burial to follow at St Margaret’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake on Friday, Sept. 4th from 5:30 – 7:30pm. A vigil service will be at 7:00pm where visitors are welcome to tell stories about Bob and celebrate his life. Bob will be deeply missed and always loved.