The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Robert “Bob” Allen Sauder, Haxtun, passed away on Aug. 10, 2020 in Sedgwick County at the age of 59.

Bob was born on Nov. 7, 1960 to Bill and Nancy Sauder in Julesburg. He attended elementary school at Sedgwick Grade School and graduated from Revere High School in 1979. Bob’s early years were spent working alongside his dad and brother on the family farm in Sedgwick.

Bob was baptized on Dec. 4, 1960 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Chappell, Neb. He actively worshiped and was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Haxtun where he served in many capacities, the latest as a trustee. He faithfully served and devoted many hours behind the scenes servicing the furnace, cleaning gutters, maintaining the sprinkler system, cleaning the walks in the winter and many other unspoken duties. Bob had a love for woodworking and he spent countless hours making wooden crosses for the LYA youth to raise funds to attend the National Youth Convention each summer. He was dedicated in his faith and to his Church rarely missing a Sunday service. Bob was a man of very few words and lived out his faith with his soft-spoken actions. As someone said, “a quiet soul that spoke so much without a word.”

Bob married Laurie Weiss in 1985. Together they had two children, Jillana in 1986 and Lukas in 1992. They had a close relationship and shared a special bond. In 1998, Bob married Margo Kroeger and gained two more children, Kassie and Kendall. Many hours were spent as a blended family, laughing and joking together, especially enjoying Bob’s very dry sense of humor.

Bob especially enjoyed being a grandpa and was extremely proud of his grandchildren. Whether it was Zaire’s photographic memory and knowledge of so many topics or his nightly visits with Kaiden that meant so much to him. Bob was always in disbelief when Hunter would make things in 3D starting with a flat sheet of paper, scissors and tape. Bob recently spent many hours toiling to make an oak bassinette for his new granddaughter Maddison. He treasured the times with his grandkids in his typical quiet way.

Bob was a mechanic at heart and attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, graduating with a degree in auto-diesel mechanics in 1981. He began his life-long career of 33 years in the automotive field working 32 years with his childhood friend and pal, Monte Green, and one year with Wilson’s Repair. Monte stressed many times that Bob didn’t work for him, but that he worked with him.

Bob’s passion in life was running. Many will remember him running the country roads training for his races. Bob ran half marathons every other weekend all over the state from March until the end of October, logging many miles. It was very special for him to take his grandson Zaire to run in several races with him. Their time spent together will forever be a lasting memory for Zaire. Bob also competed alongside his niece Sommer in several races, creating a special bond between the two of them. Bob’s dedication and endurance to his running was also evident in how he lived his life.

When Bob married Margo, her passion for Dalmatians soon became his. They spent many hours going for rides and playing ball with Pirate and Panda. It became routine with each of them to meet Bob at the door and lay a ball at his feet, which led to many hours in the back yard playing fetch. Bob had planned to train Pirate and Panda to one day run with him. The ashes of his favorite and very faithful companion, Buddy, will be laid next to him.

Bob also had a passion to serve his community and especially loved the Haxtun Volunteer Fire Department, serving 21 years with the guys. Bob had a gift of kindness and compassion and he used that gift serving as an EMT for 18 years. He was very humbled to have received many gifts of appreciation from those he helped in their time of need. Bob also served as a trustee for the Town of Haxtun for four years.

Bob is survived by his wife Margo, Haxtun; children Jillana Sauder and Lukas Sauder, both of Sidney, Neb., Kassie McConahy and husband Nick, Spokane, Wash., and Kendall Kroeger and wife Kristen, Strasburg; grandchildren Zaire Covington, Sidney, Neb., and Kaiden, Hunter and Maddison McConahy, Spokane; mother Nancy Sauder, Sedgwick; brother David Sauder and wife Konni, Big Springs, Neb.; sisters Kathy Magill, Greeley, and Jeanie Sauder, California; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Bob will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father E.W. Bill Sauder, sister Julie Sauder and brother-in-law John Magill.

Memorial services were held on Aug. 16 at the Haxtun Fire Hall with Bryan Kroeger officiating. Internment followed at the Haxtun Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert A. Sauder Memorial Fund and sent to the Haxtun Community Federal Credit Union in Haxtun.