Robert Sartoris

Robert "Bob" Sartoris, 78, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Bob was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on February 26, 1946, to James and Agnes (Ashman) Sartoris. He grew up in Troy, Illinois, and graduated from Triad High School in 1964. Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University­ Edwardsville in 1968 and from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1972.
Bob married Martha Lynn Wright on May 20, 1972, at Duncan Memorial Chapel in Floydsburg, Kentucky. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Minnesota where Bob established optometric practices in both St. Cloud and Cold Spring, Minnesota. Bob practiced optometry for 44 years, retiring in 2016. Bob was known for his playful nature and enjoyed dressing in costume for various holidays, including Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and even monsters for Halloween. He also enjoyed painting houses, interior and exterior, for family and friends. His kind heart and generous spirit will be missed by his family and by his friends.
Bob is survived by his wife, Martie, of Surprise, AZ; son Christopher (Terri) Sartoris of NY; daughter Katherine Sartoris and her husband Justin Becknell, of ME; sister Cheryl Coffey of Troy, IL; sister Jeanette (Anthony) Kestler of Charlotte, NC; brother James (Donna) of Holiday Island, AR; grandsons Michael and Christopher of NY; and nephew Daniel Allbee of St.Louis, MO. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law John Coffey, and his brother Pete Sartoris.
Following cremation, inurnment will be in a private ceremony at the columbarium, Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, Sun City West, AZ.