Robert L. Sand

Robert Sand, 90, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Monday, October 24, 2022.

He was born January 19, 1932 at home in Jefferson Twp, Crawford County, Ohio to the late Milton L. and Garnet (Smith) Sand. Bob was a 1950 graduate of Holmes Liberty High School and the following year enlisted with the US Air Force. He proudly served his country in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in December of 1953.

Bob returned home and began working construction. For a majority of his career, he operated heavy equipment and was well respected for his attention to detail and strong work ethic by his fellow employees. He spent several years with Crawford, Iberia and Kokosing Construction and left his mark throughout several Ohio cities before retiring at the age of 62.

During the mid-1990s, Bob had the opportunity to rekindle a relationship with Grace (Hawkins) Rossman, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. The two married in 2001 in Las Vegas and shared many wonderful times with family, cooking and baking together, and countless travels. They especially enjoyed taking road-trips anywhere in the US and their dog, Skeeter, was a frequent traveler with them.

Bob was a guy always on the go and didn’t sit still for long. He spent many hours tending to his garden and produced excellent fruits and vegetables, especially his mastering of Kohlrabi. He fished wherever he could catch something, but some of his best trips were to Lake Erie with his brothers and to Canada with friends. He dabbled in making wine and brandy and loved baking pineapple and peach pies to share with family. Any gathering with family (or their pets) brought a smile to his face and he actively followed his grandchildren and great grandchildren with their activities as he was able. When the Sand family gathered to make apple butter, Bob never missed an opportunity to lend his processing expertise, and was never shy at poking fun or pranking other family members. He was an avid euchre player and taught each of his grandkids to play as well, and the tradition continued at each gathering, especially his favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. When he did relax, it was most likely to watch his Buckeyes, Bengals and Indians in action.

Being a proud veteran, Bob was humbled to have participated in the Honor Flight with two of his brothers, Richard and Glen. He was a longtime member of the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail; the American Legion Post 181; Amvets Post 27; VFW 1078; Knights of Columbus and formerly active at the Moose Lodge 669. Bob delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and while he and Grace were married, he enjoyed attending the Bucyrus Nazarene Church.

Bob is survived by five children, Debra (Dennis) Cleland, Laura Moyer, Tim (Susan) Sand, Rob (Teresa Caissie Smith) Sand and Jeremy (Amy) Sand; 11 grandchildren; Joe (Shannan) Cleland, Chris Cleland, Sara Rowlinson; Kyle (Beth) Moyer, Ryan Moyer, Adam Sand, Ellie Sand, Cameron Sand, Patrick Sand, Ethan Sand and Aidan Sand; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Don) Tippin; sisters-in-law, Beverly Sand, Winnie Sand, Phyllis Sand and Margaret Sand as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In addition to his wife Grace, Bob was preceded in death by brothers, Richard, Wilbur (Mary), Glen, Earl and John Sand; sisters, Margery (Eldon) Rogers, Marguerite (Paul) Feichtner and Karen (Glenn) Bruce and a great granddaughter.

All services will be held at Wise Funeral Service on Saturday, October 29. Family will receive friends from 10-11:55 am and the funeral will begin at 12:00 pm with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery where full Military Rites will be provided by the Air Force Honor Guard and the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

The service can be viewed live and memories can be shared on his tribute wall at www.wisefuneral.com.

If desired, Bob’s family would appreciate donations made payable to Honor Flight Columbus or the Bucyrus Nazarene Church and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home.