ROBERT TOLLE

ROBERT TOLLE Robert Arthur "Bob" Tolle was born November 21, 1957, at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, Kansas. He was the fifth of six children of Willard and Marjorie (Quiring) Tolle. He died October 12, 2025, in his home with family present. Growing up, Robert's family spent many good days with his grandparents in McPherson, Kansas. He graduated from Lawrence High School in May 1975. He worked various jobs from the age of 14, always learning and growing himself. Bob met Sondra Kaufman of Moundridge, Kansas, in 1978, and the two were married April 18, 1981 at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge, Kansas. Their first home was in North Newton, Kansas, and subsequently moved to McPherson, Kansas, in 1983. To this union, two daughters were born: Dana Adrianne and Sara Denise. He was a present father, supportive of their activities and attending as many events as possible. Bob was a good listener and was always willing to give advice and assistance to his daughters. Bob was baptized at Eden Mennonite Church by Rev. Walter Neufeld in 1980. He was an active member at Eden Mennonite Church and at Peace Mennonite Church, serving in many positions and on numerous committees. In 2015, he and Sondra went on a three year mission to Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Mennonite Mission Network, serving as unit leaders in Service Adventure. They like to speak of the participants as their 14 extra family members. During their time in Albuquerque, he was also very involved in various capacities at the Albuquerque Mennonite Church. Bob gave generously of his time and talents to various community organizations. He was a long-term member of the McPherson School Board, the McPherson Recreation Commission, and the KSHSAA board. Bob was a member of his local Lions Club, wherever he lived, for 40 years. He served in numerous roles to further the organization, including District Governor and Council Chairman. He thrived on attending conferences and conventions and on traveling without an agenda, but with a destination in mind. Bob was an avid bowler for many years, bowling both in his local league and in national tournaments with the United States Bowling Congress. In 2022, Bob and Sondra moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Lawrence, Kansas, to be near family. During these final years, the family enjoyed celebrating every holiday and birthday together. He worked for Mennonite Mission Network as a development representative. One of Bob and Sondra's final trips was to the Just Peace Pilgrimage - Civil Rights in the Southeast United States. Bob exemplified servant leadership and simple living. Throughout his life, he shared his faith and humble spirit through his actions and deeds. Bob never stopped bettering himself and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a chauffeur for anyone who asked, repaired anything he could, and offered a listening ear to all. He made people feel welcome and could talk to anyone. Bob is survived by his wife Sondra (Kaufman) Tolle of Lawrence, KS; daughter Dana Nagel (Jason) of Kansas City, KS; and daughter Sara Hocking (William) and granddaughter Heidi of Lawrence, KS. He is also survived by brother Vaughn (Norma) Tolle, sister Julia Train, brother Stuart Tolle, sister-in-law Joyce Tolle, brother William (Karen) Tolle, sister Lydia (James) Flax, brother-in-law Brian Kaufman, brother-in-law Warren (Jerri) Kaufman, and sister-in-law Lynelle (Russell) Stucky. Bob loved family reunions and visiting with all of his nieces, nephews, and relatives that were very special to him. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Harold and Bessie Tolle and Hermann and Grace Quiring; his parents Willard and Marjorie Tolle; and sister-in-law Judy Tolle. The family will receive friends from 2-3pm Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, at Peace Mennonite Church, Lawrence, Kansas. The memorial service will immediately follow at 3pm and conclude with faspa (light meal). The family will again receive friends from 2-3pm Saturday, October 25th, 2025, at Eden Mennonite Church, rural Moundridge, Kansas. Services will be livestreamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85300634222?pwd=kOntRQJNDHh5ua8daKS0hjMkPPGokl.1, Meeting ID: 853 0063 4222, Passcode: 563331. The memorial service will immediately follow at 3pm with interment and conclude with faspa (light meal). Memorials in Bob's name may be made to Mennonite Mission Network in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044. As a way of continuing Bob's legacy of faith, servant living, leadership, and volunteerism, we encourage everyone to find ways to help others, lend a listening ear, and make everyone feel welcome.