Robert Allen Bonesteel

Robert Allen Bonesteel, 84, of Spring Hill, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children, following a year-long battle with leukemia, all the while maintaining his wit and good humor.

Robert was born on August 2, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry Albert Bonesteel and Virginia Evelyn (Ferris) Bonesteel. An only child raised in the city and suburbs of Chicago, he cherished his summers spent in downstate Illinois with his extended family on the farm. Those experiences profoundly shaped his life and remained a recurring point of reference until his final days.

Robert studied Music and History at Elmhurst College. He began his career as a high school band director, and it was during that time he was introduced to The Salvation Army, an encounter that radically changed the course of his life. This led to a lifelong career of service with The Salvation Army’s Chicago Metropolitan Division and Central Territory Headquarters, where he served in roles including pastoring, teaching, public relations, communications, and development.

Robert met his wife, Marylou, in Chicago, and they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage while raising their three children in the suburbs. He was always an active member of his community and spent many years serving as both a member and Chairman of the Villa Park Economic Development Commission. Following in his father’s footsteps, Robert became a Real Estate Managing Broker and Licensed Appraiser.

Music remained a constant thread throughout his life. He was an active member of The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps, serving as a Boy Scout leader, Corps Council member, and Band and Songster member for nearly 40 years. In retirement, he continued sharing his musical gifts with the Timber Tones, Choraliers, Serenaders, Timber Pines Jazz Band, Weeki Wachee Winds, and the Nativity Lutheran Church Bell Choir.

Robert and Marylou enjoyed their final 10 years together in Florida, where they formed many cherished friendships and created lasting memories with neighbors and friends. Robert’s greatest joy was his family including granddaughter, Eve, who brought him immeasurable pride and happiness. He was a devoted member of Nativity Lutheran Church and deeply valued the faith community and his relationship with God which enriched his life.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marylou (Breeze) Bonesteel, his children: Robert Mark Bonesteel, Timothy Allen Bonesteel (Kati Bonesteel), and Kristina Len Bonesteel (Michael Ferguson) and his granddaughter, Eve Marie Bonesteel. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Albert and Virginia Evelyn Bonesteel.