John Robert (Bob) Schwenkfelder, 81, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Bob was born on August 20, 1944, in Council, Idaho to John W. and Roeberta Tucker Schwenkfelder. He grew up on the family ranch in Cambridge, Idaho, where he graduated from high school in 1962. He later moved to Boise, where he attended Boise Junior College and took a job at a Firestone tire store downtown to help pay for his school. That seemingly random job would go on to shape his future-and the futures of countless others-for the rest of his life.
Bob married Bonnie P. Koch on April 17, 1965, and she faithfully remained by his side for 61 years, right to the very hour of his passing.
In October 1968, Bob and Bonnie founded Commercial Tire Company, opening their first store at 12th and State Street in Boise. What began as a modest shop grew, under Bob’s leadership over the next 58 years, into 53 locations across 4 states, with 636 active employees as of March 2026. His foresight, determination, and integrity earned him a respected and lasting legacy in the tire industry across the country.
While the tire business was his life’s work, Bob’s greatest passions were his family and the ranch in Cambridge, Idaho. He was surrounded by those he loved- at home, on the ranch, and within the Commercial Tire family, where several relatives worked alongside him over the years.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his devoted wife Bonnie, daughter Kelli (Steve) Elliott, son Trent (Barb) Schwenkfelder, grandchildren Justin (Amber) Elliott, Tucker (Kaylie) Elliott, Sydney (Sam) Lang, Dylan (Fiancée Maura) Schwenkfelder, Audrey Schwenkfelder, along with nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joan (Dale) Wakem and their children, and his brother Royce (Pam) Schwenkfelder and their children.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Bob’s name be made to the Children’s Home Society of Idaho, an organization Bob and Bonnie supported for many years.
A memorial stone will be placed at a later date in the Cambridge, Idaho Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 16, 2026, at Deer Flat Ranch Event Center, 10255 Locust Lane, Nampa ID 83686
Services are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor, Garden City, Idaho. (208) 853-3131
