Robert T. Sackrider

Robert T. “Bob” Sackrider, 92, of Battle Creek passed away May 23, 2024 following a brief illness.

Born on January 24, 1932 in Battle Creek to Ard T. and Bernice A.(King) Sackrider, Bob was a lifelong resident, leaving his mark in the halls of Battle Creek High School, where he was a standout athlete and scholar, graduating in 1950.  He also met the love of his life there, Marilyn A. (Garriott), who he married in 1954. 

Following high school, Bob went to Michigan State, where he studied Agricultural Engineering and played  football as a walk-on.  He was also an active member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, where he chaired many community service projects. He graduated in 1954, and has been happy and proud to show his Sparty spirit ever since, especially during football and basketball seasons. 

Farming was in his blood from the very beginning, and after graduating it was natural for him to work with his father on the family farm, continuing as the 4th generation in Sackrider Farms, raising various crops and dairy/beef cattle. Bob was involved in many activities and organizations throughout the years, including the U.S. Harness Racing Association, Calhoun County Board of Public Works, Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance,  Michigan Milk Producers Association, First Congregational Church Council, served on the Michigan Farm Bureau State Policy Committee, and also received the Calhoun County Distinguished Service Award. He was a part of the start of the Battle Creek Central Hall of Fame, being inducted himself in 2005.

Bob was always ready to help a friend or neighbor. He had a very wry sense of humor, a mischievous smile, and an ever present twinkle in those blue eyes. He loved his monthly poker games, playing golf and was an avid and excellent bridge player. But nothing gave him greater pleasure, or made him prouder,  than watching his children and grandchildren grow up, playing and performing in their many activities over the years.  

Family meant everything to Bob, and he left quite a legacy behind him.  He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marilyn;  children Mark T. (Nancy) Sackrider, MaryAnne (Todd) Bachman, John R. (Lynne) Sackrider, and Amy J. (Robert) LaVoie;  grandchildren Kyle (Rachel) Sackrider,  Kevin (Olivia) Sackrider, Andrew (Brianne) Bachman, Daniel Bachman, Jonathan Bachman, Rebecca Bachman, Maria Sackrider, Elyse Sackrider, Jenna Sackrider, Robert LaVoie, and Jessica LaVoie;  and his great-grandchildren Wesley Sackrider, Ronan Sackrider, Lincoln Bachman, and one more great-grandson on the way. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ard T. and Bernice A. Sackrider, brother Lauren K. Sackrider, and sister Nancy A. (Sackrider) Owen.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 10, 2024 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek, where a memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/950340966.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity.  Personal messages for the family and special memories may be shared here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.