Joliet Couple Married For 66 Years Die Within Days Of Each Other: Carlson Funeral Home

JOLIET, IL — Joliet's Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home on Black Road announced a rare double funeral service for a Joliet couple who were married for 66 years and died just days apart.

The funeral service will take place July 6-7 for Robert Blaise Locknar Sr., born Feb. 12, 1937 and died June 2, and Donna Rae Locknar (nee Mammosser), who was born on Jan. 10, 1940, and died June 6.

"After more than 66 years of marriage and a lifetime of love, Robert 'Bob' Locknar Sr. and Donna Locknar passed away just days apart. Bob passed peacefully on June 2, 2026, holding the hand of his beloved wife. Donna followed him on June 6, 2026, passing peacefully in the arms of her children. Their devotion to one another was unwavering, making their passing within days of one another unsurprising," their obituary said.

Bob and Donna were married at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Feb. 10, 1960. Together, they built a loving family, raising four children, later welcoming six grandchildren.

According to the funeral home, "Born and raised with strong roots in Joliet, Bob attended Saint Mary Nativity Grade School and Joliet Central High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. During his service, he was stationed at Chicksands Air Force Base in Bedfordshire, England, where he worked in the Intelligence Division monitoring Soviet transmissions.

"Bob had a successful career as a supervisor at Quantum Chemical in Morris, IL. He is remembered by many of his coworkers to this day for his engaging personality, mentorship, laughter, practical jokes, and his remarkable ability to brighten any room."

The obituary continued, "Donna was also born and raised in Joliet. She attended Saint John the Baptist Grade School and Saint Francis Academy. Donna spent many years in retail, selling toys and Tupperware, and managing the Hickory Farms store at the former Jefferson Square Mall. She later continued her career in sales at Leach Homes before embarking on a 20-year career as the Office Manager and organized backbone of Carr Concrete and Construction."

To read the full obituary, visit the Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home website for Robert and Donna Locknar.