Robert Francis McDonnell, 78 of Helena, passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 in Helena. Robert was born to John and Astrid (Krippen) McDonnell on June 30, 1932 in Cameron, MT.
He attended and graduated from Ennis High School. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education from Montana State University at Bozeman. He then attended the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, where he earned his Master’s degree in Special Education.
Robert married Louise Susan Wanken on October 1, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chester, MT.
He sold insurance for eight and a half years for Paul Revere Insurance & Mass. Protective Association. In 1966, he went to work for the State of Montana – SRS, Disability Determination Dept. as the Unit Supervisor until he retired in 1993.
Robert loved camping and fishing, traveling by motor home, going on cruises, square dancing, and watching sports. He was also an avid MSU Bobcat fan.
He was a member of the Elks Club for 55 years, joining in 1956 in Livingston, MT. He was also a member of Jaycees. Robert and Louise never had children of their own, but loved and cherished their canine friends, Raisen a poodle and Pierre, a bischon both deceased. Andre also a bischon survives him.
Robert is survived by his wife, Louise S. McDonnell of Helena; brother-in-law, Frank (Marion) Wanken; sisters-in-law, Helen M. Wanken and Sylvia McDonnell; nephews, Troy (Lou) Wanken, Jason (Steffani) Wanken, and Todd (Denise) Wanken, and Richard McDonnell; nieces, Rae Lynn (Jan) Bloemendaal, Kathy McDonnell, Lisa McDonnell and Brenda McDonnell; great-nephews, TJ, Brad, Tyler, Mitch and Jeffery Wanken, Gerrit and Bryce Bloemendaal; and great-nieces, Robyn and Tristin Wanken.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Astrid McDonnell; brother, John McDonnell; brother-in-law, Ashton Welch; and great-nephew, Bret Wanken.
A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to MSU Bobcat Athletics, P.O. Box 3380 Bozeman, MT 59717, the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
ELIZABETH AND JERRY HENDRICKSON says
LOUISE
JUST A NOTE TO SAY YOU ARE IN ARE PRAYERS.
JERRY AND ELIZABETH
John Link says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
May Bob rest in peace and may your also find peace in your life.
The Link Family
Nikki Johnson says
Dear Louise-
I am very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. I will always remember the time I spent with you and Bob on my mom’s many trips. Take care of yourself and know I am thinking of you. Sincerely- Nikki Johnson (Marlene’s daughter)
Tom and Jeannie Downs says
Lousie,
Bob is at peace now – but we are so sorry for your loss. We will be out of town on Saturday so will not be able to attend the funeral. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be in touch later. Take care.