Northfield - Bonner, Bob 86, of Northfield, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at his home. Robert Elliott Bonner was born in Covina, California, to John and Nancy (Milliken) Bonner. Soon after, the family moved to Wyoming. He graduated from high school in 1955 and enrolled at Stanford University, but soon realized he didn't know what he wanted to do when he grew up, so he joined the Army instead. After 2 years stateside and an honorable discharge, he enrolled at the University of Wyoming as an English lit major, but the history professors caught his attention and Bob's love for the study of history was kindled That wasn't the only spark that got struck: the fiery co-ed Barbara O'Connor caught his eye. When she graduated in 1961 and headed to Black Hills Teachers college, Bob blew 3 tires getting himself to graduate school in an ultimately successful attempt to impress her. They married on March 17 the next year. Bob went on to finish his advanced degrees in European and English history, and took up teaching at the University of Minnesota and, for the balance of his career, at Carleton College in Northfield, MN. There, he served as Dean of Students (1992-1995), coached the men's tennis team, and introduced the field of American Environmental History to the curriculum. His book William F. Cody's Wyoming Empire was published in 2007 to acclaim; soon after, he was awarded a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, from the University of Wyoming. Apart from his steady scholarship, Bob was founding director of the Friends of the Northfield Public Library and longstanding member of the Northfield Golf Club, the Western History Association, the Wyoming State Historical Society, the Minnesota Arc, The Nature Conservancy, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. What's more, Bob knew how to ride a horse, drink decent whiskey, and was, by all accounts, a good shot. Bob and Barbara's daughter, Jennifer, passed away during heart transplant surgery in 1988 (an ordeal narrated in her memoir The Wait: Love, Fear, and Happiness on the Heart Transplant List.) Their son, Timothy, died in 2019, after living his adult life at the Laura Baker Services Association residence in Northfield, where Bob served on the Board of Trustees for more than 25 years doing what he considered the most important labor of his life. In 2005, the couple was honored with the Service to Mankind award of Sertoma. His family includes his wife of 63 years, his brothers Dave (Sue) of Powell, WY, and James (JulieAnne) of Albuquerque, NM; sister Barbara (James) Luther of Farmington, NM; cherished nieces and nephews; and so many friends and fans. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Anne, and his two children. The family will always be grateful for the loving work of in-home caregivers and hospice staff. A celebration of Bob's life will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at First United Church of Christ in Northfield, with visitation one hour prior and burial later in the afternoon alongside Jenny and Tim at Oaklawn Cemetery. www.northfieldfuneral.com