Bert Allen Sanders

He was born May 27, 1934 in Peoria to Reuben and Mary Sanders. He married his wife Pauline on December 29, 1978. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Bert (Janet Groeper) Sanders of Bartonville, Annette (Bill) Bryan of Peoria, Doug (Leanne Arnold) Sanders of Bartonville and Dennis (Radine Stucky) of Trivoli; step-daughter, Patty (Jessie) King of Norwood; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and one great-great-great grandchild;one brother, Don (Barb) Sanders of Rome, IL; and his first wife,Faith Romanus of Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Archie, Cyrus and Eugene.

Bert was a U.S. Army Veteran. He worked in the wire mill at Keystone for 40 years, retiring in 2004.

Bert was a genuine people person. He never knew a stranger and he could tell stories for hours on end. Bert is extensively known for his life of volunteerism. His greatest accomplishment was when he received the Neve Harms Award for his meritorious service to sports presented by the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. He was a 47 year member of the Peoria Motorcycle Club spending much of that time as Race Director. In 1993 he helped the PMC win Dirt Track Promoter of the Year. He was also part of the committee of Grand National Weekend and was twice honored as Grand Marshall.

Bert was also a 20 year member of the Peoria Area Sports Commission spending countless hours volunteering at various events held in the Peoria area. In 2005 he received the MVP Award from the Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Bert was involved with Jack Ehresman in forming National Hunting and Fishing Days and served as a 3 time co-chairmen of the event.

He was also a 10 year member of the Keystone Archers serving on their exhibition team which promoted archery and safety to many youths throughout the area.

A celebration of Bert’s life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Peoria Motorcycle Club, 605 S. Cameron Ln, Bartonville, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Autism Collective at theautismcollective.org

Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com