Robert George Sands

Hastings, NE resident Robert “Bob” George Sands, 77, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 17, at First United Methodist Church in Hastings, NE with Rev. Lance Clay officiating. The burial will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora, NE. There will be no viewing or visitation. The service will be live-streamed on Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home’s website (www.lbvfh.com). To view the service, go to Robert’s obituary and click the “play” button shown towards the bottom of the page.

Bob was born April 9, 1946 to Clarence and Mildred (Johnson) Sands. He grew up living, working, and playing alongside his brother, Larry, on the family farm northwest of Aurora, NE. Bob was very active as a young man and excelled at multiple sports including baseball, basketball, football, and track. He graduated from Aurora High School in 1964 and went on to study business at Kearney State College where he was also a member of the football team. Bob was united in marriage with Susie Olson on November 30, 1974 and the couple were blessed with three wonderful children.

Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He was a man of hard work and integrity. He thoroughly enjoyed creating and seeing things come to life - be it on the farm or during his 26-year career in engineering as the Custom Manufacturing Manager at Dutton Lainson Company. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and in his later years, enjoyed traveling adventures with Susie and their Corvette Club friends.

Faith, family, and friends were Bob’s greatest joys and priorities in life. Fall was his favorite time of year when he could appreciate the fruits of a good harvest or embrace the comradery and competition of what was a lifetime of sports enjoyment. When he wasn’t cheering on the Huskers or other local sports teams, you might find him with a rod and reel in his back yard or simply spending time entertaining his dear friends and family on his deck. His roles as a husband, father, and grandfather were his greatest and proudest accomplishments. The love that he had for his wife and children could be seen in every interaction.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Susie; children, Michelle Strom of Hastings, John Sands of Atlanta, Ga., Michael (Shannon) Sands of Springfield Ne.; grandchildren, Evan and Nora Strom; Lucy, Kate, and Annabelle Sands; brother Larry (Nancy) Sands of Grand Island, Ne.; nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is servicing the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to GRACE Cancer Foundation in Bob’s name (www.gracefoundationgi.org and click “donate now”). Donations will benefit families affected by cancer in Central Nebraska.