Robert 'Bob' J Gonke

Robert (Bob) J. Gonke, 81, passed away at his home on Saturday, May 17, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Bob was born in Chicago, IL on February 14, 1945, to Edward and Anne Gonke. Bob went on to answer the call to serve his country, drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. Bob proudly served as a Military Police Officer, achieving the rank of Sergeant while stationed at Fort George G. Meade, MD. For his dedication and bravery, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, among others.

After being honorably discharged Bob brought that same unwavering discipline, loyalty, and sense of duty to his civilian life, where he worked alongside his brother, Edward, as a machine shop owner and operator in the Irving Park area of Chicago.

Bob dedicated his life to his family and is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara Gonke; his son, Robert (Lauren) Gonke; his grandchildren, Fiona and Nolan Gonke; his brother, Edward (Lucy) Gonke; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bob will be remembered for his dry wit, his iron clad work ethic, being our resident expert on home improvement projects, exceptional (and sometimes too honest) customer service skills during his retirement hardware store employment, and his willingness to search every distributor in the Chicagoland area to acquire Miami Dolphins merchandise for his son, the Dan Marino fan. If he could have been buried in his 1969 Buick Riviera he would have, but alas, they say that’s against “the rules.”

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, 9:00am until time of service at 11:00am at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave, Norridge, IL. Interment will be held afterwards.