Norma Jean Bonenberger

It is with both deep sorrow and immense gratitude for a well-lived life that the family of Norma Jean Bonenberger, 91, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Born on July 10, 1934, in Prague, OK to William James Urban and Maureen Margaret Urban (Parker). Norma graduated from Classen High School with honors and went to Oklahoma A & M where she was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She went to business school in Oklahoma City and worked for the telephone company (Southwestern Bell) as a member of the shorthand dictation pool in support of the company executives.

She met the love of her life, Thomas Eugene ‘Gene’ Bonenberger, and they married on April 15, 1955, and spent 49 wonderful years together before he predeceased her in 2004. During their 49 years together, they built a family founded on love, laughter, and adventure. The love they shared never failed even as she watched her ‘gentle giant’ fade from her due to Parkinsons and Dementia. The care she provided him during his failing health was exemplary and she never missed a day visiting him.

For over nine decades, Norma was the heart of her family. As a mother, she was a fierce protector and a source of wisdom. Known affectionally as “Nonie” or “Grandmother,” Norma was devoted to her grandchildren and they each have special memories that will be cherished forever—from playing endless rounds of Barrel of Monkeys to spirited games of Old Maid.

When she wasn’t spending time with her children and grandchildren or tending to her meticulously manicured garden of shrubs and flowers, she was feeding her love of classic movie musicals, of which ‘Singing in the Rain’ and ‘Good News' were among her favorites, or dancing the jitterbug around the living room.

She was always quick with a dry sense of humor or a self-deprecating quip. Norma and Gene enjoyed spending summers on Lake Texoma with their family and friends, teaching their kids to fish and waterski.

Norma was a woman of strong faith and prayer and could be found most mornings sitting at the kitchen table reading her bible and drinking coffee.

Norma is survived by her loving children, Thomas (Linnea) Bonenberger and Linda (Thomas) Palmer; her adored grandchildren, Karen Bonenberger, Holly (Brandon) Vankeirsbilck, Julie (Kevin) Ingold, Dylan (Jena) Palmer, Caleb (Marybeth) Palmer; and a beautiful legacy of 3 great-grandchildren, Brylee Palmer, Emersyn Palmer, and Andrew Palmer and her sister, Marilyn (Curly) Elliott and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation in celebration of Norma Jean Bonenberger’s remarkable 91 years of life will be held on Wednesday, January 14th from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.

A private graveside service is planned for her immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.