Robert Arnold Sanders, 65, of Redfield, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 15, 2010, with his family by his side. Funeral services were on Tuesday, January 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Burial was in the Greenlawn Cemetary. Visitation was Monday, January 17, 2010 from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home. (www.thelenfuneralhome.com)

Robert was born September 12, 1944 in Aberdeen, SD to Arnold and Margaret (McComsey) Sanders. Robert attended high school in Brentford, SD. During high school, he worked on several farms in the Stratford-Brentford areas. Following high school, Robert served as a Staff Sergeant for the United States Marines from April 1965 until August 1969. During his tour in the Marine Corps, his service included duty in Vietnam from February 1966 to March 1967. From 1969 to 1971, Robert purchased and ran the Mobile Gas Station in Redfield. In 1971, he went to work for the James Valley Experimental Farm and at the same time, served part-time in the South Dakota Army National Guard. In December 1973, he began full time service for the Army National Guard Battery C. in Redfield and served as gun section chief. In February 1981, Robert entered the AGR Active Duty Program and worked as Supply Sergeant until his retirement in September 1996. His many military decorations and awards included: Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Lapel Button, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Service Stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar. Beyond family and work, Robert most enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and many friends.

Robert married Julie Esser on May 15, 1971. They raised three children—Bobbi Jo (Peter) Lahr of Ashton, SD, Rebeca Sanders and fiancé Corey Miles, and Michel Sanders of Redfield. His #1 friend and granddaughter, Jalia, who loved her Papa so very much, also survive him. Grateful for sharing Robert’s life are his sisters: Donna Sanders of Westminster, CA and Norma (Ric) Herren of Frankfort, SD; his Aunt, Beverly McComsey of Aberdeen, SD; his brothers-in-law and their wives: Paul and Tia Esser of Sioux Falls, SD, Terry and Rhonda Esser of Two Rivers, WI, Timothy Esser and Jane Brogan of York, NE; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.Robert was preceded in death by his parents.