Robert Sonder, 85, of Grand Island died Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the Veteran's Medical Center in Grand Island.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am Monday, January 20, 2014 at St. Mary's Cathedral. Father Jonathan Sorensen will officiate. Burial will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 Sunday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home with a 7 pm Rosary service. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Robert was born March 24, 1928 to Henry and Emmaline (Barber) Hayes in Utica, NE. At the age of 12 he was adopted and attended Verigree High School. He entered the United States Army April 1946 and was stationed in New Foundland. He was honorably discharged Apr 1947. After the service he lived in various places in Minnesota. In 1977 He moved back to Nebraska living in Central City, Aurora, and Grand Island.

Robert met Catherine Waterman at a dance at the Eagles Club were they both enjoyed dancing and Bingo. They were married on October 1, 2011 at the St. Francis Hospital Chapel.
He enjoyed gardening and landscaping, polka music and playing accordion in a senior band, making holiday and seasonal posters. Robert loved watching and learning about birds and animals. He also was a good conversationalist. Robert was a member of the Eagles and VFW. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Gone but not forgotten.

Robert is survived by his daughter: Maria Tobeck of Eau Claire, WI; three step sons: Dan Whitt of Floressent, CO, Mike (Wendy) Waterman of Grand Island, Rick Waterman Phillips, NE; five step daughters: Deb Waterman of Grand Island, Charlene (Sam) Sanders of Grand Island, Sharon (Bob) Weidt of Hastings, Pam Brandt of Grand Island, Cynthia Waterman of Grand Island; 25 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren; sister: Dorothy Smith of Lincoln; brothers: Henry Hayes of Blaine, WA, and Leland Hayes of Paradise, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Catherine on October 21, 2013; granddaughter: Cassey Waterman in 2002; sisters: Janet Morrison, Mary Tilley, Darlene Lindquist, Arlene Lindquist, Genevieve McCulley; brothers: Harold, Robert, and Virgil Hayes, and William Sonder.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am Monday, January 20, 2014 at St. Mary's Cathedral. Father Jonathan Sorensen will officiate. Burial will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 Sunday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home with a 7 pm Rosary service. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.