Robert "Bob" Lano Brownell, Sr.

Robert L. Brownell, Sr., 92, of McHenry, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025, surrounded by his family.

On January 28, 1956, Bob married his soulmate, Phyllis Brownell. Together they built a wonderful life, raising their two children, Robert Jr. and Kelly. They shared 59 years filled with love, laughter, and plenty of adventures before her passing in 2014.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army. That same sense of duty and discipline carried through every part of his life. After a tragic accident took his parents, he took over the original Cary Dairy and ran it for more than 50 years. He was hardworking, devoted, and determined, with a “get it done” attitude and a strong work ethic that never wavered.

After retiring, Bob found a new passion for woodworking. He loved spending time in his shop creating things with his hands. He and Phyllis enjoyed traveling the country in their RV, with Daytona Beach being one of their favorite stops. His adventurous spirit stayed with him through the years. He even tried skydiving and bungee jumping, always up for something new.

He looked forward to Tuesday mornings with the guys from Living Grace Church, meeting at McDonald’s for coffee, conversation, and plenty of laughs. Those mornings meant a lot to him.

Family was everything to Bob. He adored his grandchildren and great grandsons and made time to visit family in Wyoming, Wisconsin, Colorado and Georgia. He was loyal, kind, and full of life. He worked hard, loved deeply, and enjoyed every day he was given.

He is survived by his children, Robert Jr. (Mary) Brownell and Kelly (Dan) Sandberg; grandchildren, Tracy (Matt) Lekawa, Danielle (Jeffrey) Grossnickle, Tim (Kelly) Brownell, and Cole (fiancée Amanda) Sandberg; great grandsons, Devon, Dominic, Darren, and Donovan; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Signe Brownell and his brother, Arthur (MaryAnn) Brownell.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Burial with military honors will follow at Windridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Gigi’s Playhouse.