Robert Donalson died Dec. 22, 2021. He was 87. Bob was a professor in Illinois Wesleyan’s School of Music for 30 years; he retired in 1994 with emeritus status. Bob felt the call to become an educator while serving in the U.S. Army in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. He obtained a master’s degree at San Jose State University and a doctorate at the University of Colorado Boulder. He began his teaching career at Pepperdine University before landing at IWU. Bob loved beauty in all its forms — nature, art and poetry among them — but music was his emotional home. He was active in religious life and often shared his gift of music in the church. Bob was always learning and educated himself on subjects ranging from theology and philosophy, to computer science and financial investing, to home repair and carpentry. He enjoyed traveling, sports, his cats and, most of all, his family. He is survived by his wife, five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held on February 12 at 1 p.m. CST and will be live-streamed at christlutheranchurchffg.org.
I’m grateful for his teaching. His music history classes were so interesting, putting music in the context of the other arts and history. What he taught helped me think more broadly and that still inspires me. Prayers for comfort for his wife and family.
Unequivocally, his romantic music history class was the most challenging and fulfilling class I took at IWU. I will always be grateful to him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Dr. Donalson was one of thee most memorable teachers I had at IWU. He was very good at linking music with art, history and philosophy. I learned a lot. Very challenging courses, but I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to be there.