Robert D. Sender

Robert D. Sender, age 71, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. He was born January 31, 1955 in Oak Park, IL to Donald A. & Barbara Sender.

Bob was the loving husband for nearly 50 years to Mary Lou (nee Mossman) and father to Kevin Sender and Melissa Sender. He was the beloved grandfather to Lola, Mason & Amelia Sender. He was proceeded in death by his mother Barbara Learn and in-laws Jim and Mary Mossman. He was a caring son to Donald and Ruth Sender. A dedicated brother to Joan (Bob) Novinsky, Jeff Sender, Jeanne Phillips, Donald (Judy) Sender, Peter (Jenny) Warner, Mary (Jim) Langlo & Carol (Scott) Wilke. He was a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Wheaton, he spent most of his time at High Style Stables with his horses. When he wasn’t riding, he loved being with his family. He talked a lot about having fun with his siblings and growing up across the street from his cousins. He felt a strong duty to protect and care for them as the oldest sibling. Even as they moved across the country, making regular phone calls to check in was very important to him. He valued his relationships with others. He enjoyed planning and staying in touch with his Wheaton Central (’73) classmates at regular high school reunion events. He met up with the firefighters whenever he could.

His loving heart and willingness to help in any way he could to anyone in need led him to a career of service. Starting as a firefighter/paramedic on the Wheaton Fire Department, and ending at Central DuPage Hospital where he retired after 45 years in facilities. He left a positive impact on everyone he met. If you asked, he was there with whatever you needed.

Bob was devoted to all the people he loved and showed equal compassion to everyone. He was a hard worker who gave everything of himself for others. He was reserved but always willing to give advice if you asked him. (But when he had a twinkle in his eye….look out! He was planning something or getting ready with a one liner) He was a profoundly talented man, who truly would shine on stage at an open mic night when he decided to share his gift. He was the happiest sitting with his guitar. He spent hours singing, playing, and writing music. Anyone who had the opportunity to hear him play was captured by his storytelling and moved by his passion that could truly be felt by all. He was incredibly humble and often unaware of the impact he had on others. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Relatives & friends are invited to meet directly at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Saturday, March 28, 2026 for the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to any of these charities in Bob's name below.