Robert Edmond Dionne

After a brief illness, Robert Edmond Dionne, 94, peacefully passed away in Tucson, Arizona on April 5. 2025. Robert was the son of Armel L. and Christabell (Surprenant) Dionne, who preceded him in death. Also deceased are infant brother Richard, nieces Lori Dionne, Debbie Dionne, and nephew Robert Nesthus. Recently deceased is sister Ruth M. (Dionne) Nesthus -Klein and brothers-in-law Sam Nesthus and Edmond Klein. Also deceased are brothers Raymond (Norma Jean Rantz) and Roland (Iris Case) Dionne. Surviving is Robert’s sister Madonna M. (Dionne) Lane of Littleton, CO, and her sons Christopher (Catherine) Lane of Aurora, CO, and Timothy (Ann) Lane of Parker, CO. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Stephen (Lyn) Nesthus of Lake Placid. FL, Brian Nesthus of Jefferson, WI, Bruce (Patti) Nesthus of Baraboo, WI, Debra (Dionne) Gunn, (Gary), Terrance Dionne, Kathy Dionne, Michael (Britton) Dionne, Rhonda (Dionne) Spoula (David), Jeffrey (Leigh Ann) Dionne, Randall (Tysheema) Dionne and numerous great and great, great nieces and nephews. Robert attended a one-room schoolhouse in Martinton, IL where Mrs. Clements taught all eight grades. Robert later moved to Bourbonnais, where he graduated from Notre Dame Grade School. He attended St. Patrick’s High School and graduated in 1948. During school, he worked at Walgreens on Court Street as a soda jerk, stock boy, and cashier. In 1949, Robert joined the U.S. Navy "to see the world" but never served aboard a ship or left the United States. His training was at Great Lakes Naval Academy near Chicago, IL and after graduation, he served at Cherry Point, NC, then Frederick, MD. He was a Corpsman caring for the wounded men returning from Korea. Harry S. Truman extended Robert’s and other Navy personal’s service for another year, where he served at a Marine Base wearing a Marine uniform. Upon returning home, Robert entered the Walgreens Management Program after which, he worked with various store managers until he became manager of his own store in Joliet, IL. He managed stores in Bettendorf and Sioux City, IA, Midland, TX, Lafayette, New Orleans, Metairie, and La Place, LA. He was the District Manager of the Southeastern District for several years until he began caring for his elderly mother, and preferred not to have to travel. He was given the store in Marrero, LA where he stayed until he retired after 45 years at Walgreens. After surviving many hurricanes, including Ivan in 2004 and Katrina in 2005, and the death of his beloved mother, Robert left Louisiana and moved to Tucson, AZ, where he grew fruit trees, flowers, and worked in his garden without having to dodge hurricanes. He was a member of Our Lady of the Desert Parish in Tucson and continued to financially support the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Bourbonnais. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, 295 Main St. NW Bourbonnais, IL. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Church, 308 E. Marsile St. Bourbonnais IL. Interment will follow at Maternity B.V.M. Cemetery in Bourbonnais. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, or the American Cancer Society.

Robert Edmond Dionne

August 10, 1930 - April 6, 2025