Duluth - June 20, 2003

Robert L. Saunders

     Robert L. Saunders of Superior, Solon Springs, and Dunedin, Fla., died Wednesday June 18, 2003 at St. Mary's Medical Center after an 11-year battle with cancer.

     He was born Jan. 26, 1924, in Nason, Ill., to Edwin and Lenora Saunders.  Bob grew up in Sandoval, Ill., where he attended school and was active in Boy Scouts.  Bob received 32 merit badges, needing only his Lifesaving badge to complete Eagle Scout rank.  The day of his exam, the municipal pool was closed due to a typhus outbreak.  World War II started the next December.  Bob came to Superior as a cadet with the Army Air Corps, and met the love of his life, Evelyn Koenig.  They were united in marriage Jan. 10, 1945, in San Antonio, Texas.  Evelyn has always been Bob's Yellow Rose.  Bob served his country.  In Superior, Bob and Evelyn owned and operated the Patio Cafe "across the street from the Courthouse" for 29 years.  The Patio became a popular meeting place for businessmen and politicians, "Big Bob" appeared briefly in a presidential campaign ad featuring John Anderson in 1980.

     Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edwin and Barney and his close cousin, Barbara Easton.

     He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; daughter, Janis (Wilmer) Roh of Neenah, Wis., son, Robert "Little Bob" of Superior, grandsons, Scott (Tricia) Roh and Shane (Julie) Roh; three great-grandchildren all of Neenah and cousins, Judy Winkleer and Jim Brissenden of Ill.  Bob was a gentle man, known for his wit, kindness and love shown to his friends.  We miss him dearly.