Robert J. Sankey, Sr.
November 30, -0001

Robert John Sankey, Sr., was born July 16, 1923, in rural Bancroft, Iowa, the son of Ray and Dorothy (Hennings) Sankey. He attended school in Irvington through the eighth grade. After his schooling he worked at the CC Camp and for various farmers in the area.
On February 6, 1944, Robert was united in marriage to Betty Arvilla Gronbach at the Presbyterian Church in Irvington, Iowa. Robert joined the United States Army on December 8, 1944. After being honorably discharged he returned to the Algona area where they continued to live until moving to Fort Dodge in 1953. In Fort Dodge Robert worked for USG until retiring in 1986, he also worked for area farmers.
He enjoyed making crafts, such as clocks, potato bins, quilt racks, painting and traveling. He was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church and the Disabled American Veterans.
Robert died on Saturday, February 21, 2004, at his home in Fort Dodge, Iowa, at the age of 80.
He is survived by his wife, Betty of Fort Dodge, IA; children: Robert Sankey, Jr. and wife Julia of Fort Dodge, IA; William Sankey and wife Deb of Pomeroy, IA; Jerry Sankey and wife June of Fort Dodge, IA; Thomas Sankey and wife Deb of Mitchellville, IA; Linda Sankey of Fort Dodge, IA; Pamela Loux of Fort Dodge, IA; 14 grandchildren, two step grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Ella Elbert of Algona, IA; Nellie Hauenstein of Algona, IA; Pauline and Lyle Merk of Cedar Rapids, IA; Margaret Sankey of Algona, IA; Hazel and Lewis Bleich of Algona, IA; Raymond and Arlis Sankey of Algona, IA and a step-brother, Ted and Darlene Hennings of Oregon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Patrick and a brother, Delbert.

Tributes