John Robert Sander

John Robert Sander, 72 of Jefferson City passed peacefully away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Capitol Region Medical Center.

He was born August 18, 1953 in Moberly to the late Edward and Bernadine (Hackman) Sander.  Growing up on the family dairy farm, John learned the necessary skills to fix anything and everything to keep their farm and home running smoothly.  He was a 1971 graduate of St. Thomas Seminary in Hannibal and then attended Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Quincy, ILL.  He changed career paths after meeting the love of his life, Karen Schmidt.  John went on to attend Quincy College, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.  On April 24, 1976, John married Karen at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese, ILL.  They moved to Jefferson City raising their two children, Lisa and Bret.  The family became members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where John was in the church choir and the Boy Scouting program with Bret.  John began his career with the State of Missouri working in the Department of Social Services and retired after 29 years of service as a Data Processer. 

As a young man, John taught himself how to play the guitar.  Not only was he a gifted guitar player but also had a beautiful singing voice.  He was a long-time member of “The Jammers” band.  He always looked forward to Christmas and  singing carols at family gatherings. John loved supporting his grandsons, whether it was listening to Gabe sing in the Helias Concert Choir or watching Cooper play soccer.  He had a passion for cutting wood and mowing grass.  John often used that time to reflect, analyze and solve problems that came up at work.

Survivors include his wife; Karen of Jefferson City; daughter. Lisa (Kevin) Hammond of Jefferson City; two grandsons, Gabe and Cooper; three siblings, Jerome (Jan) Sander of Columbia, Mary Jo (Rich) Sander-Partney of Ashland, Ted (Therese) Sander of Moberly; sister-in-law, Nancy (John) Schomaker of New Baden, ILL; brother-in-law, Mike Ray of Riverton, ILL and numerous nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in by his parents and son, Bret. 

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1206 E. McCarty St. with Reverend Matthew Flatley officiating.  Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. 

Memorials may be direct to the Immaculate Conception Capital Campaign.

Trimble Funeral Home is assisting our family with arrangements.