Robert James Onnen, the son of Gerhard and Deloris (Kruse) Onnen, was born July 2, 1949, in Fairbury, NE.  He departed this life Wednesday, June 13, 2007, at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, NE. Bob was baptized into Christ’s family in 1949 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gladstone, NE.  He was confirmed on April 7, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Gladstone, NE, by Rev. A. Wittrock. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Gilead and attended grade school in Gilead.  Bob graduated from Hebron High School in 1967.  Bob went on to further his education at Peru State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971.  He received a graduate assistantship at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, where he taught chemistry lab and recitation while working towards a Masters Degree in chemistry and education.

Bob married Barbara Binns on August 30, 1969, at the First Christian Church in Hebron.  To this union three children were born: Erin, Alan and Ben. 

Moving to Hebron in 1980, Bob went into partnership with Joe Carbonneau and opened RJ Woods Cabinet Shop, which he continued to own through 2006.  Bob served in many capacities at Faith Lutheran, including several terms as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and at the time of his death, president of the congregation.  He also served many posts with his involvement in Lutheran Laymen’s League including the following: Bob served on the Nebraska District LLL Level and was Special Project Chairman (1991-1992), Media Chairman (1993-1994), Zone Facilitator for Zones 8 & 9 (1995-1996), Zone 9 LLL President (2003-present), many positions in the “Men of Faith” Lutheran Laymen’s League Group, and Lay Member for Region B of the Nebraska District LCMS Board of Directors (2003-2007).

Bob served his community as a member and current president of the Secrest Library Board.  He was also a member and president of the Foundation Board.  While serving on this board, the library expansion was achieved and handicap accessibility was made possible with the addition of a ramp and elevator.

Bob was also active for many years during his sons’ participation in Scouting, serving as a cub master and den leader.  Bob especially enjoyed working on projects for the church, whether it was building, helping with Vacation Bible School projects, or Meals-on-Wheels.  Bob especially enjoyed spending time with family, attending his children’s activities, and participating in family reunions with his siblings.

Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerhard and Mary (Bauer) Onnen and Arthur and Malinda (Pfingsten) Kruse.

Bob is survived by his parents, Gerhard and Deloris Onnen of Gilead, NE; his wife, Barb, of Hebron, NE; two sons, Alan Onnen of Chicago, IL, and Ben Onnen of Hebron; one daughter, Erin Onnen of Hebron; five brothers, Mick Onnen and wife Nila of Davenport, NE; Tom Onnen and wife Marna of Valenchia, CA; Tim Onnen and wife Kim of Branson, MO; Joel Onnen and wife Mary of Omaha, NE; and Rick Onnen and wife Christina of Lincoln, NE; one sister, Sandy Jones and husband Marty of Edwards, CO. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 18, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hebron, NE.  Visitation will be Sunday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Hebron Memorial Funeral Home in Hebron.  Burial will be at Hebron City Cemetery in Hebron.  Memorials in care of Faith Lutheran Church, Hebron, or Secrest Public Library in Hebron. 

Letters of condolence may be written to Mrs. Barb Onnen, 239 N. 6^th, Hebron, NE 68370.