Bernard Thomas Sander, Jr.

Bernard Thomas Sander Jr, 79, was born December 8, 1944 and passed into eternal life on May 7, 2024 at his home in Indianapolis, IN following complications from a fall. He was preceded in death by his grandson Jack Bernard Martin (2015-2018). Bernie was the oldest son of Bernard and Bernice Sander; he has three brothers and three sisters. Bernie was born at home in a farmhouse in Moberly, MO and grew up on the family farm in Salisbury, MO. Bernie’s parents valued education and he launched his professional career with a BS in Electrical Engineering from St. Louis University. He went on to complete a MS degree at California Institute of Technology and a doctoral degree at Washington University.

He found life-long employment with Bell Labs (aka Lucent, Nokia) where he initially worked with radar systems before turning to switching systems. A life-long learner and problem solver, he often remarked how lucky he was to have work that he enjoyed! Long before gender equality became vogue, Bernie was involved in promoting the roles of women in his male-dominated world of engineering. In retirement he turned his attention to volunteer work with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering) serving with the Board and on many committees. A recent commitment has been with the SKPL (Science Kits for Public Libraries) program which is designed to help children experience science as fun and challenging.

Bernie met the love of his life, Antoinette (Toni) Perring at an honors convocation as they graduated from St. Louis University. They were married on June 8, 1968 and were blessed with 56 years growing in love for each other. They found the Marriage Encounter community early in their married life and learned that love is a decision and how we communicate is life-giving.

As Dad and Grandpa Bernie was a family man to his four children and ten grandchildren. He relished technical conversations with son Ben (Nancy) who shared his engineering profession; travels, adventures, and the rewards of taking risks with son Kevin (Sala); Shakespeare and theater with son Stephen (Julie); and ski trips plus living next door to his favorite daughter Amy (Ken Martin). He always had a true and witty story from his childhood to share with the grandchildren: Savannah (24), Belle (22), Christina (21), Aidan (20), Caleb (19), Senibua (17), JR (13), Alex (10), Jack and Samantha (4).

Bernie was a gentle man with a quiet yet deep faith in God. Full of wisdom, the steadiness of his presence will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 16 at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. In addition to the Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Indianapolis at 10:30 on Friday, May17th, a Memorial Mass for Bernie Sander will be held on Tuesday, June 4, at 11:30 am, in the chapel at St. Patrick's Residence, 1400 Brookdale Rd, Naperville, IL 60563.