Bruce Zink Sanders

Bruce Zink Sanders, age 77, a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, a longtime resident of Naperville, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Bruce was born on September 10, 1948, in Decatur, IL and adopted by the late Norman Bruce and Ruth Sanders (nee Roy). He was given his name to honor his great-uncle Bruce Zink, a farmer in Dudley, IL.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Martha (nee Haupt), whom he met his senior year of high school and married on December 27, 1970, in Decatur, IL. His loving children Jenna (Brian) Kraskiewicz and Kelly (Adam) Bucheger, his cherished grandchildren; Wyatt and Sean Kraskiewicz and Lorelai and Emmalyn Bucheger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and long-time friends Bill W. and Dr. Bob.
Bruce grew up on the edge of town with a large yard, a huge ravine and parents who loved the outdoors. He learned to hunt, fish, and spend time in nature learning about the birds and animals with whom he shared his home. As a boy scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Along with his father, son-in-law, and grandsons, there are 4 generations of Eagle Scouts in the family.
Bruce is a graduate of MacArthur High School and after graduation, he entered Millikin University in Decatur. He graduated in 1970 and 1971 with degrees in Industrial Engineering and Mathematics. He joined the United States Army Reserve Artillery prior to beginning his studies for a Master of Business Administration at the University of Illinois in Urbana. While in graduate school, he worked for the Downtown Decatur Council as an administrative assistant.
After graduation from the U of I, he joined the First National Bank of Decatur as an officer trainee. During this time, Martha and he were blessed by the birth of their two daughters, Jenna Grace and Kelly Anne. He later went on to create the first Human Resources Department for the Bank.
In 1979, he and his family left Decatur for the first of his Fortune 500 companies-North American Van Lines in Ft. Wayne, IN. He worked in the Industrial Engineering department later joining the Information Technology section as an Installation Planner until his final position of Operations Manager, heading up all computer operations for the company.
In 1985, he joined Citibank in Chicago, IL in the newly created position of Human Resources Operations Manager for the Payment Processing division. Later, he transferred to downtown Chicago to the recently purchased Savings and Loan as a Compensation, Benefits, and Payroll Vice President. He continued his career there until 1993 when these operations were transferred to New York.
He then joined Hinckley and Schmitt (now Hinckley Springs) where he created another Human Resources function. After 5 years, he joined U.S. Filter to do the same. He retired in 2004 to join his wife Martha who retired the next year.
Bruce enjoyed his family time with his wife and daughters, education, nature, and music were ongoing themes in their lives. Those themes have carried into the lives of their children and grandchildren. He proudly attended numerous performances (theater & band) and sporting events in support of his grandchildren.
Bruce and Martha spent their retirement years traveling and enjoying their vacation home in Galena Illinois. They shared their love of nature by creating a National Wildlife Backyard Wildlife Habitat in both Naperville and Galena. Both of their Naperville and Galena yards were gorgeously filled with native plants to attract pollinators and birds.
One of the fondest memories was family vacations which began in the Northwoods of WI in Vilas County in 1981. Boating, fishing and hiking for 43 years together as a family. The week of vacation was often referred to as the "best week of the year."
A life-long Methodist, Bruce served on many church committees and was a Lay Speaker for the church.
Besides Bruce's love of time spent with family he will be fondly remembered as an avid woodworker making handmade toys for his grandchildren, doll furniture to scale for their American Girl Dolls and remembrance pieces for other family members such as trucks, helicopters and jewelry boxes.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bruce's name to Hesed House, 659 S. River St., Aurora, IL 60506 https://www.hesedhouse.org/financial-donations/ or DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center, 525 S. Park Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. https://www.dupageforest.org/friends
Memorial visitation will be 10:00 to Noon, Saturday, October 18th, at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Rd., Naperville, IL 60540 with a Memorial Service to follow at Noon at church with Military Honors.
Interment is private. For more information, please call 630-355-0213.