Robert K. Steunenberg, 77, of Naperville, a community leader and retired research chemist with Argonne National Laboratory, died of heart failure Sunday, May 26, in Manor Care of Naperville.
Mr. Steunenberg was born in Caldwell, Idaho. He received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Idaho in Caldwell, now Albertson College, and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle. He received an honorary doctorate of science from the College of Idaho in 1987.
A Navy ensign during World War II, Mr. Steunenberg served on the USS LST-808, which was sunk off Okinawa in 1945. He and his shipmates were stranded on an island for nearly 30 days before being rescued.After the war, he became active in the reunions of his shipmates.
“Although he didn’t talk much about the war, I know those 30 days were a horrifying experience for him,” said his wife Jean.
During his 35 years at Argonne, Mr. Steunenberg did extensive research in the electrochemical area, specifically on projects involving advanced lithium sulfur batteries to be used in vehicle propulsion.
“He was a superb chemist with broad capabilities and a vast knowledge in the whole area of electrochemical research,” said Leslie Burris, a former colleague and retired division program manager at Argonne. Mr. Steunenberg collaborated with Burris on a book titled “From Test Tube to Pilot Plant,” tracing the history of the chemical technology division at Argonne.
A Naperville resident since 1951, Mr. Steunenberg helped establish the Naperville Park District Board in 1966.
He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville.
Other survivors include a sister, Joanne Carpender; and several nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held from noon until services at 1:30 p.m. June 22 in Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 117 W. Van Buren St., Naperville.
