Robert Sand

ROBERT E. 'BOB' SAND, 87 ROCKFORD - Robert E. 'Bob" Sand, 87, of Rockford died August 15, 2013, at P.A. Peterson, after a short illness. Born October 29, 1925, in Rockford, IL, son of Elhert and Hatie (Holmstrom) Sand. Graduate of East High School in 1943. Married the love of his life, Elsie Westergren on August 9, 1947. Lived in Stillman Valley from 1954 until 2011. He worked as a pharmaceutical salesman for 45 years throughout Northern Illinois. He was the Charter President of the Stillman Valley Lions Club and recipient of the prestigious Melvin Jones Humanitarian Award, served 17 years on the Stillman Valley Grade School District Board and then the Meridian Community District 223 Board of Education after its consolidation, member of the Stillman Valley Congregational Christian Church. He was a 63 year member of Meridian Sun Lodge, Freeport Scottish Rite and Tebala Shrine where he was a Life Member of the Drum & Bugle Corps. He was in the US Navy serving in both WWII and the Korean War, and is a Purple Heart Recipient. Bob and Elsie owned and operated Sand's Valley Variety from 1975 to 1987. This was one of the happiest times of their life as they were able to meet and serve so many local community members and friends. He is survived by his loving family, children, Scott (Maureen), Craig, and Karla (Greg) Shallenberger; grandchildren, Matthew (Becki) Sand, Erin (Drew) Eder, Michael Sand, Donene Sand, Tom Sand, Krista (Ryan) Shallenberger-Burton, Kyle (MacKenzie) Shallenberger; great-grandchildren, Jack Burton, Mia Burton, Paige Burton, Ryan Sand, Connor Sand and Kate Eder; and sister, Roberta Hensley. Predeceased by parents and wife. Visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2013, at Stillman Valley Congregational Christian Church, followed by memorial service at 11 a.m. There will be a private burial at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford at a later date. Memorials to: Stillman Valley Congregational Christian Church and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Visit Farrellhollandgale.com.