Robert "Bob" W. Senske, 77, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on the night of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

Born on March 14, 1947, in Fort Pepperrell, St. John's District, Newfoundland, Bob was the son of Harry and Leone Senske. His early years were shaped by frequent moves as his father's military service took the family across the United States and beyond, including Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, and Puerto Rico.

Following in his father's footsteps, Bob proudly served his country during the Vietnam War with the 7th Division of the First Air Cavalry from November 1966 to September 1968. He was recognized for his sharpshooting skills, was awarded a Bronze Star, and was honorably discharged in November 1972.

After serving in the military, Bob pursued higher education at the University of North Dakota, then transferred to Boston College, where in 1976 he graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Accounting. While in Boston, he met the love of his life, Sara Steets. The two married on February 23, 1974, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love and lasting friendship.

Bob began his professional career at Wang Laboratories and continued with the company after relocating, with his wife Sara, from Boston to Wheaton, IL. In 1992, he left Wang and spent time at Acer and GE before transitioning to a successful role as a corporate account executive at Candle Corporation in 1995. In semi-retirement, he found fulfillment driving a school bus for children with developmental disabilities, bringing joy and kindness to those he served.

Above all, Bob's greatest joy was his family. He and Sara raised two wonderful children, Eric and Caroline, in a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Bob shared special passions with each of his children—he and Eric both played brass instruments and marched in their school brass lines, bonded over sports (especially cheering for the Chicago Bears), and enjoyed deep discussions on economics, business, and tax codes. With his daughter Caroline, Bob found joy in fishing, boating, and spending time at the family farm in Augusta, Wisconsin. He especially cherished moments entertaining his grandchildren, Landen and Emmett.

Bob was always an animal lover and had dogs throughout his life, from his childhood companions, Baxter and Rex, to his beloved Jake and Tessie in later years. He cared for and doted on them deeply. He would always have full bird feeders for the wildlife in his backyard, and helped his children raise a menagerie of critters throughout Eric and Caroline's childhood.

Bob had a deeply social heart and treasured the many friendships he built over the years. Whether it was weekly golf outings at Arrowhead, long group fishing excursions up north, or bowling and celebrating holidays with lifelong connections formed through the Newcomers Club of Wheaton dating back to 1985. Bob was always finding and spreading joy.  Bob's ability to form meaningful relationships endured throughout his life. He was continually expanding his circle of friends, building strong bonds with co-workers, fellow veterans, neighbors, and community members.

Beyond his career and military service, Bob was deeply committed to giving back. He actively volunteered at Trinity Episcopal Church and supported various veterans' organizations. Following in his father Harry's footsteps, Bob was a lifelong Freemason. Holding the rank of Master Mason, Bob was a member of Columbian Lodge in Boston, Massachusetts, and was also associated with the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. His son, Eric, has continued this family tradition by joining the Masonic Order and is working on his degrees.

Bob's legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Sara; his children, Eric Senske (Ania) and Caroline Hagedorn; his cherished grandchildren, Landen and Emmett Hagedorn; and his brother, Harold Senske, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Leone Senske.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, Illinois. A memorial service will follow on Friday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 N. West St., Wheaton, Illinois, followed by a 2:00 p.m. Military Funeral Honors Ceremony at Wheaton Cemetery, 1209 Warrenville Rd., Wheaton, Illinois.

A reception will be held at Trinity following the memorial service and before the Military Honors at the cemetery. Please RSVP to help us plan accordingly.
For a general headcount, kindly indicate the total number of attendees joining us.

Please Click this link to RSVP .

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Trinity Episcopal Church .

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at hultgrenfh.com . For more information, please contact Hultgren Funeral Home at (630) 668-0027