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Bobby Dean Bonenberger, 88, passed away on Wednesday morning, July 24, 2024, in Palm Coast, Florida. He was born on February 29, 1936, in Christopher, Illinois, the son of Louis Melvin Bonenberger and Golden Miranda Dennis Bonenberger, the youngest boy of their 9 children together. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Opal Marie Sadler Bonenberger, formerly of Benton, Illinois, now residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Bob was of the Baptist faith and was a member at Grace Bible Church. He worked at Barton & Collins Furniture & Appliance on the square in Benton, for 42 years. A loyal husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, fierce protector and provider; his family was truly his pride and joy. He had an immense love for life, always smiling and whistling and continuously pursuing new adventures and interests. Over the years he enjoyed playing baseball and softball, hunting and gun collecting, fixing up small fishing boats, and acquiring all types of collectables. Bob was a big Benton Rangers sports fan. Bob was a master angler. His love and respect of the outdoors crafted him into an excellent fisherman. He spent many a day at Rend Lake and one of his favorite and successful spots was the Wall. He attained a personal record of catching a fish each and every month for 22 years, 7 months. An avid golfer, Bob played every day at the Benton Country Club until 14 years ago, when his physical abilities were afflicted by a stroke. He also loved playing the guitar and passed his passion, musical talents and affections on to his kids and grandkids. Also surviving are his daughter, Patricia Baker, and husband, Virgil, of Palm Coast, Florida; son Bobby Dean Bonenberger, Jr., and wife Belinda, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; and son, John Edward Bonenberger, and wife, Rebecca, of Johnson City, Tennessee. Bob leaves four grandchildren, Jennifer Whaley and her husband, Brian; Kevin Baker; Vanessa Jones, and her husband Brandon; and Brett Bonenberger and his wife Macy, together with six great grandchildren, Hunter Baker, Lily Whaley, Macy Whaley, Addyson Raley, Scotlynn Jones, and Wrigley Bonenberger. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty McKee, of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Judy Futchko, of Crystal Lake, Illinois; brother-in-law, Judy’s husband John, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, and siblings: Pauline Furman and her husband Otto, Imogene Samples and her husband, D. J., Lorene Spain and her husband, Eddie, Maxine Kelly and her husband Glen, Jim Bonenberger, and Brenda Capps and her husband, Ray, Brother-in-law: Betty McKee’s husband, Pat McKee, Sisters-in-law: Marguerite Sadler Holman Renner and her first husband, Lester, and second husband Raymond, and Mary Sadler Doty and her husband, Roy. No services are scheduled at this time, however, a celebration of life will be planned on a future date. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service of Bunnell, Florida is assisting with arrangements. www.HeritageFlagler.com

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Bobby Dean Bonenberger

February 29, 1936 - July 24, 2024