Roger P. Sander

Roger P. Sander, 65, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 4:48 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.

Roger was born December 5, 1956, in Chicago, IL, the son of Norman and Violet (Post) Sander.  He was raised and educated in Hoffman Estates, IL, graduating from Conant High School in 1974 and from Monmouth College in 1978. While at Monmouth College, Roger was an outstanding basketball player, still holding the school record for career rebounds at 939.  He also earned All-American honors during the 1977 and 1978 seasons.  He was later inducted into the Monmouth College Hall of Fame in 1994.

Roger married Elaine Cooper in Monmouth on March 31, 1990, and she survives.

Roger was the Equipment Manager at Monmouth College from 1984 until he retired in 2018. He was also the Assistant Basketball Coach from 1984-2007, Assistant Baseball Coach from 1985-1993, and Head Baseball Coach from 1994-2015.   Roger’s coaching ability was exceptional. He expected and fostered the best out his players on and off the field. As head baseball coach his teams earned 373 victories, a school record to this day.  Roger was recognized 9 times as the Midwest Conference South Division Coach of the Year.

Roger was a Christian man who prioritized attending church services on Sunday.  He loved   college and professional football and horse racing.  Most of all he loved being surrounded by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Sander; his daughter, Katie (Adam) Lutostanski of Palatine, IL; his grandchildren, Dylan, Ashley and Blake Lutostanski; his sister, Patti Jones of California; brother, Mark (Valerie) Sander of Park Ridge, IL; nieces and nephews, Kira Rosen, Bryan Eckley, Courtney Heinz, Jared Sander, Dylan Jones, Alison (Matt) Withey, John Sander, Will Sander, Emma Sander, and Michael Sander; great nieces and nephew, Charlotte, Jackson and Blair Withey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dave Sander, and sister, Sharon Hapanovich.

A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 5:00 pm, Thursday, October 13, 2022, at the First Christian Church, Monmouth, IL.  The family will be present prior to the services at the church from 3:00-5:00 pm.  Immediately following the services, the Celebration of Roger’s life will continue at the Monmouth American Legion beginning at 6:00 pm. Cremation will take place following the services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the American Kidney Fund. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements.  For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.