Bob Wonders, 87

Robert Lee Wonders, age 87, of Sturgis, and former longtime Burr Oak resident, passed away Friday evening, February 10, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born May 22, 1935 at home in Wolcottville, Indiana son of the late Samuel and Dessie “Peggy” (Carpenter) Wonders.

Bob resided in Sturgis since 2007 coming from Burr Oak.

On July 13, 1957 he married Shirley Frick at the Baptist Church in Rome City, Indiana.

In 1995 he retired from the Burr Oak Community Schools following over 25 years of dedicated service as the head custodian. Following his retirement he accepted a position as head custodian at Trinity Lutheran School where he worked for 4 years until Shirley’s retirement. He had also been employed at Dorr Products in Burr Oak. While employed at Burr Oak Community Schools, he didn’t just work there, he gave of himself to the school system and the children. He served as an assistant coach for the baseball, football and basketball teams and took great pride in caring for the baseball and football fields. Anyone who knew Bob, will forever remember the meticulous grooming he took in caring for his yard.

Bob was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Air Force for six years. His final two years he was involved in a spy mission as a photographer. While in the Air Force he participated in boxing.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 65 years: Shirley; his children: Betty (Brian) Hagen of Bronson; Deb (Joe) Schwartz of Sturgis, Brian (Wendy) Wonders of Centreville, Lori Smith of Bronson, Robert “Bobby” (Paula) Wonders, Jr. of Sturgis, and Randy Wonders of Three Rivers; 14 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and expecting #26 in March; three great great grandchildren; brothers: Bill (Thelma) Wonders of Bronson and Junior (Pam) Evans of Sturgis, and Lee Evans of Bronson, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father: Orin Evans; son-in-law: Kevin Smith; great great grandson: Ethan Edgington and brother: Don Wonders.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 Thursday, Feb. 16th at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Robert Lee Wonders will be held at 10:00 Friday, Feb. 17th at the Radiant Life Church, 907 N. Nottawa St. in Sturgis.

In accordance with his wishes cremation will follow the service.

Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Air Force Academy Foundation,  3116 Academy Drive,  USAF Academy, CO 80840.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.