Robert Lee Sabin was born September 28, 1956 in Buffalo Center, Iowa, to James Robert and AnnaMae (Kuyper) Sabin. Bob graduated from Ledyard High School then graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College with a degree in auto mechanics. Bob worked in the Parts Department at Kemna Auto Center for 32 years and had been employed the longest of anyone. Bob was also a part-time bartender for 30 years. He was an EMTI for 16 years between the towns of Buffalo Center, Bancroft and Ledyard.
In November 1986, Bob was united in marriage to Mary Lee Doyle and that marriage later dissolved. In October 1998, Bob and Susan Berger Vaske moved to Lakota to begin their lives together. On May 6, 2006, Bob was united in marriage to Susan Berger Vaske in Deerfield, Illinois.
Bob was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved cheering them on. He also enjoyed spending time with his step children and grandchildren. Bob enjoyed camping and spending time with friends.
Bob died on Friday morning, March 22, 2013, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona at the age of 56.
Survivors include his wife Susan of Lakota; step-children, Chad (Tracy) Doyle and their children Zachary (Chelsea) Thompson, Jake (Genna) Thompson, Jenny Thompson and Gary Thompson of Lake Mills, Iowa; Cory (Erica) Doyle and their son Hunter of Ireton, Iowa; Keith (Christina) Vaske and their children Kylie and Kinsey of Londonderry, New Hampshire; Melinda (Glenn) Hauptmann and their children Madison and Taylor of Bancroft, Iowa and Randy Vaske of Bancroft, Iowa. Also surviving is his extended relatives of his and of Sue's. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother Roger.
Diane Bollinger wrote on Apr 6, 2013:
"Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss. I heard it on the news but didn't get the Bancroft/family connections until I talked to Mom (Ermina Vaske). I know what it's like to lose your spouse, so I pray that each day gets a little easier and less painful. Faith, family, and friends help plus all the good memories. Take a day at a time and take care of yourself. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you proceed on this journey of grief.
Diane Vaske Bollinger
Carroll, IA."
Dale & Sandy Koppen wrote on Mar 26, 2013:
"Sue, Bob seemed always a kind man. Very easy to visit with, a people person. He had that certain sparkle in his eyes. God bless you and yours. Dale & Sandy Koppen"
Ron & Pat Doerning wrote on Mar 26, 2013:
"Sue and family,
We were so shocked to hear of Bob's accident. Please accept our condolences and payers. You never know what life will bring us. See you when we get to Bancroft.
"
Rich and Carol Olson wrote on Mar 26, 2013:
"We are saddened by news of Bob's death. He leaves a wealth of knowledge in the work-world, but an even greater loss for all who called him friend. We remember his helpfulness with our car needs there in Bancroft. Your loss is great - praying for your memories to sustain you and for your faith to give you strength to carry on in the days ahead. Blessings, love, hugs and prayers from friends in Sioux Falls, SD Rich & Carol Olson"
Mike & Rita Frette wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Sue and family,
I was saddened to hear about Bob's passing. I know that thru your faith and family and friends that each day will get better even though it doesn't seem that way. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rita Vaske Frette "
Susan and Brian Thul wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Sue and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. You and your Family are in our thoughts and Prayers. May God comfort you through this difficult time.
Susan and Brian Thul and Family"
Dick & Jan Deitering wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Sue and Family
You have suffered a great loss and we feel so sorry. I can't count all of the favors Bob did for us while he worked at Kemna's whether it was transporting a car to Algona for service or finding a hard to get part! He was always so professional and yet very friendly! I considered him a good friend! We too will miss him!
Dick and Jan Deitering"
Badje's wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Our hearts go out to you and your family.
"
Paul and Cheryl Beenken wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Dear Sue and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. You do not know us, but we were neighbors to Bob when he lived in Buffalo Center. May God give you strength and peace to go through these difficult days ahead."
Cody Bilyeu wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Sue & Family:
Sorry to hear about your loss. Bob was a good guy. I enjoyed working with him back in Bancroft at Kemna's. He will be missed. "
Rick and Jayme Javers wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Sue,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
Nancy Overlie wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Sue we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Nancy Overlie"
Margaret & Phil Vaske wrote on Mar 25, 2013:
"Sue, my heart goes out to you. My prayers and thoughts will be with you for a long time. Wish I could be there in person to give you a big hug. My prayers also for all your family. I know Bob loved them all. "
Nancy Trenary wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue and family, I am deepley saddened to hear of your loss.I got to know Bob through Kemma Motors years ago starting at Bancroft. He was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nancy & Marvin Trenary"
Robyn Froehlich Gray wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sorry to hear of your loss Sue my thoughts and prayers are with you"
Mark Rogers wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue and family, very sorry to hear about Bob. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Always enjoyed visiting with you and Bob at the campground.
Mark and Michelle Rogers"
Julie Berger wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue and family,
We are so sorry about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie, Kaitlin and Jaelin Berger"
Jan Bettin-Baseman wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue and family,
You are in my prayers. Very sad to hear about Bob. Always thought he was a very kind, gentle, and caring man. So very sorry to hear of your loss."
Phil Hellman wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue and family,
So "sorry," to hear about Bob! Our thoughts and prayers are w/you and your family. May God be w/you all during this difficult time.
Phil, Pennie, Mckenzie, and Brett Hellman"
Dale & Elaine Price wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Dear Sue and families,
Not enough words we can say how we felt about Bob. He was a true friend, intelligent man, gentle man, loving man, fun man, good worker, good husband, Father, Grandfather who truly loved "his" family and friends. We will always treasure our memories of our time with Bob and always enjoyed our time with you both.........Bob will be deeply missed.
{{{HUGS}}} to you all,
Dale & Elaine"
Nancy and Larry wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue, I don't have the words to tell you how very sad Bob's death is to me. Praying for you and your family as you do through this difficult time."
Dianne Zeller wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue and family so sorry for your loss and in such a tragic way. I won't be able to attend his services as I'm in Bloomington Ind. I do want you to know God couldn't have placed a kinder or more patient person to help teach me the auto parts business. I'm fairly certain on more than one occasion he took the brunt of a angry customer due to my error. He was able to guide me for many years and I loved the many conversations and friendship he offered along the way. God added another special person to heaven"
Carole Welp wrote on Mar 24, 2013:
"Sue and family, I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Bob's sudden death. As I am in Arizona, I cannot attend the services, but you are and will continue to be in my prayers. May the happy memories and your faith help to comfort you. With my affection, Carole Welp"
Angie Wamsley wrote on Mar 23, 2013:
"Sue and family may you find comfort in God's warm embrace and know all your friends are praying for you and Bob!
We are all going to miss that smile and his gift for making everyone feel welcome and cared about. He will be most definitely missed and we are all living in a world a little less friendly without him!!"
Lisa Reichter wrote on Mar 23, 2013:
"Sue,
I am very saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Bob. He was a great guy and will be sadly missed by our family! May God give you the love and strength to find peace at this difficult time.
HUGS,
Lisa Reichter"
John & Jan Hellman wrote on Mar 23, 2013:
"Sue & Family - We will miss Bob greatly. We enjoyed him as he always had a kind word to say, and enjoyed life so much."
Denise Sahr wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"We are so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers
Denise and Curt Sahr
Christopher, Caitlin, Chance, Chantel and Harley"
Dave & Ruth Ludwig wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"Sue and family~
Praying that God's peace will comfort you. "
Anne wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"may god bless you and your family in this time of sadness."
Howard Baker wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"Sue, so sorrow to hear about Bob. I always looked forward to seeing & visiting with him at the Food Show. You and your family will be in our prayers during this difficult time. God Bless."
Barb Vaske wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"Dear Sue and family, My heart goes out to you. My prayers are with you. I can't imagine what you're going through. May God give you the strength, Sue, to bear such another tragedy in your life. peace and love, Barb Vaske"
Evelyn Nauman wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"So shocked to hear about this. Bob always had a kind word.
May your many memories bring you comfort. It's not easy but you will go on. Remember Bob is with his family that have gone before.
My thought and prayers are with you!
God bless!"
Schiltz wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"Sue, so shocked and sorry to hear about Bob. WE are in Branson but will keep you in our prayers. Dave and Dianne Schiltz"
Stan and Mary Lowe wrote on Mar 22, 2013:
"Sue and family
Our hearts are heavy today with the loss of a great man..Bob was the kindest man and you and your family are so fortunate to have been part of his life as he loved all of you so much and loved being a grandpa...embrace the memories and keep them in your heart...keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers now and in the coming days..."