More detail on this person: Robert (Bob) F. Sauer Jr, 76, of Berwyn IL, fell asleep in death surrounded by his family on June 16, 2024. Devoted and loving husband to his wife of over 55 years, Elizabeth (Beth) Sauer, cherished father to Kimberly, Todd (Jennifer), and Tamara (Gregorio), beloved grandfather to Stephanie,Terry (Ayme), Shannon, Thomas,Brianna, Rocco, Santino, Mattea, Azariah, Gabriel, and Naomi, and treasured brother to Elizabeth and Jeffrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy, his sister, Barbara, and his granddaughter, Eleanor. He was a man of immense honor and wisdom and a faithful servant of Jehovah, taking care of his dearly loved family until his final moments. Bob was the third of 4 siblings, born January 19, 1948 in Chicago, IL. His childhood was filled with fond moments of living in different states, exploring diverse terrains, and building model airplanes. In 1964, Bob and his family settled back in Chicago, IL. That following year, he met his high school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Beth, in French class. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army to become a helicopter pilot, marrying his faithful wife on December 28, 1968, prior to deployment to Vietnam. After courageously and selflessly serving his country as a CW2 in Vietnam, and later retiring as a CW4 in the Army Reserves/National Guard, Bob and Beth continued to build a life full of love and joy, having 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Bob was always extremely hardworking, beginning his career in sales at Pennsylvania Life Insurance, Lindberg Heat Treating, and Van Bergen & Greener Manufacturing. It was at Van Bergen, that Bob was able to develop his passion for `the way things worked', using his brilliant mind for mathematics to become a self-taught Product Engineer and Plant Manager. Bob was employed in the manufacturing industry for over 20 years before retiring to drive a school bus at First Student. While there, he made many friends at the bus barn as well as the schools, where the students loved and always asked about Bus Driver Bob. Bob was a man of faith his entire life, always instilling the love of God and His teachings in his family. On August 2, 2020 he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah through water baptism, becoming one of Jehovah's Witness. Sharing Bible truths with others brought him a deep sense of joy, and he felt privileged to be able to serve his congregation as a ministerial servant. During his battle with pancreatic cancer, Bob found comfort in his hope from the Bible about a paradise earth with no suffering and death as mentioned in Isaiah 25:8. Some of Bob's hobbies included modeling, wood working, hiking, reptile hunting, and photography. He played the harmonica and clarinet and enjoyed listening to music of all genres. He also loved Mexican food and had a special place in his heart for the crispy, shredded beef tacos that he used to eat as a child back in California. Most of all though, if you knew Bob, you know he loved socializing with friends and family and sharing stories about his past experiences. Bob loved his family fiercely and was genuinely proud of the life that he created with his wife, Beth. He was always thinking about someone else, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Bob will surely be remembered as a strong, loyal, and generous man who touched many lives. He was a true patriarch, a rock, and a hero. He will be forever missed. A Memorial Service will be held for Bob at Hann Funeral Home in Bridgeview on Tuesday, July 9 th , from 4pm - 9pm, with a Memorial Talk to be given at 7:30pm. A private burial will take place the following day.
This information was last updated 07/09/2024
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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