Robert Elliott “Bob” Bonner, a distinguished historian, educator, and community leader, passed away peacefully at his home in Northfield on April 16, 2025, at the age of 86.
Robert Elliott “Bob” Bonner is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Bonner née O’Connor. He was preceded in death by his two children, Jennifer and Timothy.
It was during his time at the University of Wyoming that he met Barbara O’Connor, a co-ed who would later become his wife of over six decades.
Bonner went to great lengths to win her heart and impress her. Eventually, they got into a relationship and started a forever thing.
The couple tied the knot on March 17, 1962, and were happily married until Bonner took his last breath. Barbara and Bonner had two kids, a daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Timothy Bonner; however, both have already passed away.
Bonner and Barbara’s daughter, Jennifer, passed away in 1988 during heart transplant surgery, whereas their son, Timothy, died in 2019 after living at the Laura Baker Services Association.
Their daughter Jennifer wrote about her experience in her memoir, “The Wait: Love, Fear, and Happiness on the Heart Transplant List.“
Likewise, Bob Bonner left behind his brothers Dave (Sue) Bonner and James (JulieAnne) Bonner and his sister Barbara (James) Luther.
Reportedly, Bonner’s life will be honored in a ceremony on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Church of Christ in Northfield.
After the service, he will be buried at Oaklawn Cemetery next to Jennifer and Timothy.
Robert “Bob” Bonner Had a Successful Career at Carleton College Spanning Over Three Decades!
Bob Bonner born in Covina, California, to John and Nancy (Milliken) Bonner, spent his early years in Powell, Wyoming, after his family relocated there.
A 1955 high school graduate, he briefly attended Stanford University; however, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably for two years.
After two years of service and returning to civilian life, Bonner initially enrolled at the University of Wyoming as an English literature major. However, inspiring professors ignited his passion for history, leading him to pursue advanced degrees in European and English history.
Later, Bonner’s academic career brought him to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he taught from 1967 until his retirement in 2001 as the Marjorie Crabb Garbisch Professor of History and the Liberal Arts, Emeritus.
During his tenure, he introduced American Environmental History to the curriculum and coached the men’s tennis team.
In fact, he also took on some administrative duties, such as serving as Dean of Students from 1992 to 1995, and Director of the American Studies Program from 1997 to 2001.
Bob Bonner also wrote books; his 2007 book, William F. Cody’s Wyoming Empire, earned widespread acclaim. In recognition of his contributions, the University of Wyoming awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters.
In addition to his academic work, Bonner played a vital role in the Northfield community.
He was the founding director of the Friends of the Northfield Public Library and actively participated in various groups, including the Northfield Golf Club, Western History Association, Wyoming State Historical Society, Minnesota Arc, The Nature Conservancy, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
His service to the Laura Baker Services Association, where his son Timothy resided, was significant. Bonner served on its Board of Trustees for over 25 years, work he considered among his most important.
In 2005, Bob and Barbara were honored with the Service to Mankind award from Sertoma for their contributions.
Now that Bonner isn’t anymore among us, his family, friends, and loved ones are mourning his loss.
Also, during this difficult time, we offer our deepest condolences to Bonner’s wife, friends, and extended family.
