Robert J. "Butch" Sanders, 87, passed away on August 8, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on September 2, 1936, in Canby, MN, to Anton J. and Mary E. Sanders, Robert enlisted in the Navy after high school and served as an aircraft mechanic on the U.S.S. Lexington during the Korean War.

On February 10, 1967, Robert married Louise Tobin and adopted her three children: Tami, Dawn, and Bobbi. He worked alongside his brothers in construction and dedicated 61 years to the Carpenters & Steelworkers Union. Later, he worked at a cement plant and civic center in Rapid City before retiring in his early seventies.

Robert cherished time with his family, enjoyed helping others, and loved fishing. He took pride in his yard, particularly nurturing his maple trees, and relished walking and chatting with his neighbors.

Robert was predeceased by his wife Louise; his parents Anton and Mary; his brothers Jim, Ed, and Bill; and his grandson Nicholas Morford. Robert is survived by his daughters Tami and Dawn Sanders, and Bobbi Herold, all of St. Cloud, MN; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Services will be held at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., with visitation starting one hour prior. Burial with military honors will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.