- Date Of Birth: October 19, 1937
- Date Of Death: November 24, 2021
- State: Iowa
Robert Charles “Bob” Sanders 84, died of natural causes at his home in Johnston on November 24, 2021.
Bob was born on October 19, 1937, in Nemaha, Iowa, the eldest of three sons born to Aubrey and Veva Woodyard Sanders. Bob graduated from Nemaha High School in 1955 and from Buena Vista College in 1958. While at BV, he met Ruth Dirksen, and they were married on December 22, 1958. After careers in teaching and the insurance business, Bob and Ruth owned and operated four motels in Iowa. They raised three children together: Jill, Jeff, and Jason. Ruth preceded him in death in 2016. In 2018, he reconnected with a long-time family friend, Janie Weathers, and Bob and Janie were married on October 27, 2019. Janie brought love and laughter to his life again.
Bob was a man of deep faith with a generous heart. He made regular trips to the bank to get $2 bills which he would give to every child he met. He was an avid sports fan who rarely missed his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He followed Waukee and Waukee Northwest teams and also the Central Dutch and the Hawkeyes and Cyclones. He was a champion of “dad jokes” and repeatedly told silly stories.
Bob is survived by his wife, Janie Weathers; three children, Jill Sanders (Marcie Watson) of Alexandria, MN, Jeff of Waukee, and Jason (Tammy) Sanders of Clive; four grandchildren, Nathan (Megan), Olivia, Ty, and Schipper Sanders; Janie’s children, Keith (Erin) Weathers, Nancy (Randy) LeBlanc, Natalie Jefferson and their families; his brother, Bill (Jennifer) Sanders; as well as several nephews, nieces, their families, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his daughter-in-love, Angie in 2021; his parents, Aubrey and Veva Sanders; his brother, Richard, and sister-in-law Karleen Sanders.
