Robert Blaise Locknar Sr.

February 12, 1937 - June 2, 2026

Donna Rae Locknar (nee Mammosser)

January 10, 1940 - June 6, 2026

After more than 66 years of marriage and a lifetime of love, Robert "Bob" Locknar Sr. and Donna Locknar, passed away just days apart. Bob passed peacefully on June 2, 2026, holding the hand of his beloved wife. Donna followed him on June 6, 2026 passing peacefully in the arms of her children. Their devotion to one another was unwavering, making their passing within days of one another unsurprising.

On February 20, 1960, Bob and Donna were married at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Together, they built a loving family, raising four children, later welcoming six grandchildren.

Born and raised with strong roots in Joliet, Bob attended Saint Mary Nativity Grade School and Joliet Central High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. During his service, he was stationed at Chicksands Air Force Base in Bedfordshire, England where he worked in the Intelligence Division monitoring Soviet transmissions.

Bob had a successful career as a supervisor at Quantum Chemical in Morris, IL. He is remembered by many of his coworkers to this day for his engaging personality, mentorship, laughter, practical jokes, and his remarkable ability to brighten any room.

One of Bob's most cherished military experiences was participating in an Honor Flight in 2019 to Washington, D.C., where he had the privilege of meeting Colin Powell—an experience he spoke of with great pride.

Donna was also born and raised in Joliet. She attended Saint John the Baptist Grade School and Saint Francis Academy.

Donna spent many years in retail, selling toys and Tupperware, and managing the Hickory Farms store at the former Jefferson Square Mall. She later continued her career in sales at Leach Homes before embarking on a 20-year career as the Office Manager and organized backbone of Carr Concrete and Construction.

In retirement, Bob and Donna treasured their time together taking road trips across the country, documenting their adventures in dozens of photo albums and VHS tapes. Bob served as navigator, while Donna proudly held the title of Passenger Princess. They were never short on road-trip snacks and Donna often spent the miles crocheting afghans that were lovingly gifted to family and friends and will be cherished for years to come. They also loved the years they spent wintering in Florida, enjoying the sunshine, blooming flowers, beach walks and time together.

In recent years, Donna bravely faced Alzheimer's Disease. Bob demonstrated the deepest expression of love, devotion and loyalty as her caregiver. His unwavering commitment to her was a true reflection of the strength of their bond, built in friendship, patience, and enduring love.

We were raised in simpler times consisting of care, a stable home, food on the table, and memories of family road trips -- riding unbuckled, and sleeping in the back of the station wagon.

Through our Dad’s often expressed words, we know he was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren and loved all of us unconditionally. Each of us carries the values he instilled: a strong work ethic, a sharp sense of witty humor, a deep appreciation for our Croatian heritage, and a good old polka on the accordion.

While our Mom’s disease changed her personality, took her voice and stole her memories, we are grateful we were able to create new ones with her. We know she loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally. We will carry forward the gifts she passed on to us: her love of baking, especially treasured family Croatian and German recipes; her pride in keeping a spotless home; her talent for putting together the perfectly matched outfit; and her love of gardening. Though we often teased her, it was because she was the quiet joy in our family. She was a good sport, as she was very often the center of the jokes and silliness.

Surviving are their children – Kathy (Jeff) Gregory of Wilmington,IL, Robert Jr. of Nashville, TN, Tina (Jeff) Dames of Indianapolis, IN and Michelle Carr of Shorewood, IL. Grandchildren – Joshua Gregory (Jenny Shannahan) of Chicago, IL, Brian Gregory of Coal City, IL, Alexis and Jeffrey Dames of Indianapolis, IN, Ruby (Kevin Rogers) Locknar and Ava Locknar of NY, NY.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Stanley Locknar Sr. and Mary (Hudolin)(Locknar) Moholick, and his sister Marianne (Locknar) (Pasternak) Smith. He is survived by his brother Stanley (Patricia) Locknar.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents John and Marion (Kate) (Hutton) Mammosser, sister Elizabeth Peterson and brother John Mammosser. She is survived by her sister Katherine (Kay) Grove, Patricia (Pat) Fisher, Margaret (Peg) Arnold, and James Mammosser.

While it is overwhelming to have lost both parents so close to one another, we are at peace knowing that they are reunited and restored. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our family, especially the wonderful staff at StoryPoint Assisted Living in Romeoville, Lightways Hospice, and our devoted private caregiver, Rhiannon Coppola. In addition to being their loving son, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our brother who put his own life on hold to be our parents overnight caregiver.

In lieu of flowers, to honor our parents, donations to the Air Force Assistance Fund or the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated. To honor our father, acknowledge and say thank you to a veteran. To honor our mother, remember to stop and smell the flowers.

A celebration of life and legacy will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Monday, July 6, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. with a remembrance ceremony of stories, music and shared memories at 7:00 P.M. Internment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.