Robert Sollenberger

Robert L. “Bob” Sollenberger, age 91, of Maple Park, formerly of St. Charles, passed away suddenly, Thursday, September 7, 2017. Surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, Bob was united with his wife Jean and found everlasting peace. He was born on March 22, 1926, in Naperville, IL, the son of Raymond and Viola (Morrison) Sollenberger. Bob grew up in Naperville and attended local schools. He graduated from Naperville High School but before he received his diploma, he received a vision of his future wife in Jean Fellows. Before a connection could be made, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during WWII. In 1946, when Bob was home on furlough, he asked Jean on a date. Whether it was the uniform, the man himself, or maybe a combination of the two, Bob quickly won her heart and then her hand in marriage. They walked down the aisle on June 19, 1948 at the Methodist-Episcopal Church in Naperville. They began their new life together and welcomed home a daughter, Debra, before moving to Ypsilanti, MI. The family then grew with the additions of Dora, David, Amy and John. The whole family returned to Illinois in 1962 and settled in Lombard before moving to St. Charles in 1967. They lived in St. Charles for twenty years before the empty nesters moved to Maple Park in 1987. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from North Central College in Naperville, Bob continued his education at Northern Illinois University and received a Master’s Degree. He took his education and put it to use, working as a teacher for a time before becoming a principal at Coleman Elementary School. Bob had few interests outside of work and family, but he did enjoy working in the yard. “Big Chief Pick-em-up Sticks” ruled the back yard and kept his kingdom tidy. That ideal followed him indoors where there was a place for everything and everything was in its place. Bob oversaw his growing family with pride as he was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his five children: Debra (Andrew) Haglund, Dora Willing, David (Lori) Sollenberger, Amy Hoffman and John (Colleen) Sollenberger; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren (with one more on the way!); many nieces, nephews and a community full of friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean; his parents Raymond and Viola Sollenberger and one brother, Bill Sollenberger. Visitation will be October 14, at Grace United Methodist Church in Maple Park, from 6-7 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. Private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bob’s name to benefit his favorite charities, including Heifer International. Checks may be made to the “Robert Sollenberger Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Memorial service to follow at 7 p.m October 14, at Grace United Methodist Church in Maple Park,

Visitation will be October 14, at Grace United Methodist Church in Maple Park, from 6-7 p.m.

Private family interment will follow at a later date.