Robert "Bob" Sanders Jr.

Loving Husband and Father

Robert (Bob) Sanders, of Rosemount, MN gracefully entered God's kingdom after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's.

Bob was born in St. Paul to Mary and Robert Sanders Sr. and graduated from Cretin-Derham Hall High School in 1963. He later received a degree from the University of Minnesota and worked a long career in human resources. Before entering retirement, he managed to find the time to completely refurbish his youngest daughter’s house while splitting time between Canada and Minnesota for his work. This earned him the nickname “Bob the Builder.” He never missed an opportunity to take vacations every year with his “girls” and spending free time with extended family.

Prior to the onset of his illness, Bob was an avid golfer who in his retirement worked part-time at two different golf courses leaving just enough time to sneak in a round almost daily. As much as he loved golf, his world revolved around his family. He was a loving husband of 53 years to wife, Donna. They met standing in line for class schedules at the University of Minnesota, and the rest as they say, is history. Upon reflection, Donna said that Bob never said no to her when it came to doing the things that made her happy. That was also true for his two daughters. With his wife, they were top of the mountain, and he shared his selfless love freely with them.

His focus was always on making everyone else’s lives better, and he took every possible opportunity to do it. He maintained handwritten calendars every year that included every birthday, anniversary, passing and special occasion – so he could reach out to share it with you. He had an infectious smile and a sense of humor that could make you double over with laughter. He had a gentle kindness about him that immediately put you at ease. Even when his disease had progressed and he couldn’t speak, he still expressed his appreciation and gratitude daily to the lovely staff that cared for him at The Moments, his memory care facility.

He is survived by wife Donna Sanders of Rosemount, daughter Stephanie Brandt (son-in-law Bruce) of St. Paul, daughter Stacy Sanders (son-in-law David) of St. Paul, sister Mary Najdek (Audie) of Coon Rapids, sister Jeanie Hudson (Bob) of Blaine, brother Jim Sanders (Bea) of Shoreview and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Mary and Robert Sanders Sr.

He will be so missed by family, friends and all who knew him.

memorial service

Services and Celebration of Life

September 27, 2024

Church of the Risen Savior 1501 County Rd 42 E, Burnsville, MN 55306, USA

10:00 am visitation

11:00 am mass

Cemetery following mass: St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Savage, MN

Celebration of Life - Lunch Reception following the cemetery: The Moments - Westwood Hills House, Lakeville, MN

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services