Robert "Bob" Sanders

Robert “Bob” Sanders,of Maple Grove, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Kathryn; sister, Charlene Block. Survived by wife of 62 years, Barb; children Steve (Amy), Dave (Kathy), Mike (Mishelle); grandchildren Alli, Amber, Craig, Lauren, Nicolas, Michael, Anthony, Brianna, Bailey.

Bob was born and raised in Pilot Mound, Minnesota, near Rochester. Bob was a graduate of Milwaukee School of Engineering, with Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering and Science Management from University of La Verne. He was a proud Air Force veteran of 6 years, where he was deployed in Korea. After his time in the Air Force, Bob maintained his passion for planes, working for Sundstrand Aviation (now known as United Technologies Co.) as an electrical engineer for 33 years and maintaining his skills as pilot as a member of Blackhawk Flying Club in Rockford, IL.

Throughout his life he had passion for service and giving back to the community. He worked as a head election judge for almost 20 years, served as Church Council President of his congregation while living in California, sang in the church choir, taught computer basics at the Maple Grove Community Center, drove a school bus for special needs students in the Osseo School District and was a frequent blood donor.

In his free time Bob enjoyed camping, hiking and traveling in his motor home with his wife and his camping club. He was proud of the fact that he visited every state and camped overnight in 46 of them. He looked forward to fishing with his family each year on the annual “Guy Trip.” Bob was a voracious reader and enjoyed learning new skills even late in life, channeling his passion into becoming a skilled home brewer in recent years. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and part-owner and was fond of saying he became a fan of team even before the Minnesota Vikings became a franchise. Above all else though, Bob loved spending his time with his family, whether it be attending family functions, going to the events of his children/grandchildren or just a simple happy hour on his back deck. Bob will be missed.

Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, September 7 at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 15600 Old Rockford Rd, Plymouth, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or St. Barnabas Lutheran Church.