Robert Jamieson Nunamaker

Robert “Bob” Nunamaker, age 86 of Fox River Grove, passed away April 26, 2021 at Good Shepherd Hospital with his wife and daughter by his side.

He was born June 16, 1934 in Evanston, the son of Ruth J. and Robert J. Nunamaker and younger brother of Anne Janicene. 

Bob is survived by his loving wife Marylou, his devoted children: Paulette (Rad) Nichols, David (Melody) Nunamaker, Dan Nunamaker and daughter-in-law Urszula; his adoring grandchildren Sarah (Alex) Cowden, Danielle Nichols (Aaron McLeod); Natasha (Josh) Bryant, Gabriella, Joshua, Carissa, Katie, Antonia, and Margo Nunamaker; and his great-grandson Henry Cowden.

Bob was an engineering graduate of University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign in 1957. He served in the USAR from 1957-1963. In 1971, Bob completed an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He worked at Motorola for 36 years as Vice President and Director of several divisions including Director Component Products, Product Director Europe, Managing Director U.K., General Manager RADIUS products worldwide, and Division Manager EMTEC Medical Software. After retiring from Motorola, he served on the Fox River Grove School Board and the Village of Fox River Grove’s Planning & Economic Development Commission. Throughout his adult life he served on many professional boards such as the McHenry County Council of Mayors and was the former Executive Board Chairman of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

In 2009, he became the Village President of Fox River Grove until his resignation in March 2021. As Village President, one of his proudest moments was the 100 Year Centennial. It was a year full of wonderful monthly experiences. Students from District 3 learned about their hometown and celebrated with a “100th Day/100th year” food drive and other academic events. From June through August, Bob narrated details of FRG on historical trolley tours; hosted a parade, carnival and fireworks display, then culminated with a New Year’s Eve “Roaring 20’s” bash at Avente’s Banquets. His goal was to have something for every citizen of Fox River Grove to enjoy!  

In Bob’s freetime, he and his wife spent their time attending ALL their grandchildrens’ events - tennis, soccer, gymnastics, dance recitals, graduations, etc; cheering at Cary-Grove HS athletic games and performing arts productions; teaching classes at MCC’s Retired Adult Program; attending the Elgin Symphony and Shakespeare Theater; volunteering in numerous organizations (Lions Club) and events; and telling silly jokes to his captive audiences. He loved spending time with his family, but his biggest pride and joy were his nine grandchildren and great-grandson. His calm, loving demeanor filled all of their hearts with love and never ending support. He always had everyone’s best interest in mind whether it was his family or the citizens of his community.

Bob’s wishes were to have only his immediate family gather to celebrate his life. A public celebration is to be determined. Bob was a lifelong learner and valued education. He struggled putting himself through college and knew that many students need financial assistance to attend college or trade schools. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the FRG Lions Club Scholarship Fund or the FRG Fire Department Scholarship Fund which will benefit graduating seniors from Cary-Grove High School. Please be sure to specify “in memory of Bob Nunamaker.”