Robert Oran Linder, 75, of Austin Texas, died on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 of complications from dementia. Bob was retired from a lifelong career with State Farm Insurance.

Bob was born on October 14th, 1949 in Geneva, Illinois to parents Donald and Betty(McIlvaine) Linder and lived and attended schools in St. Charles, Illinois. Growing up, Bob served as an acolyte for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles and was confirmed in the church in 1963.

Bob was a gifted athlete and received many accolades and awards in recognition of his athletic accomplishments in both high school and college sports. During Bob's high school years, he was a member of the basketball, football and track teams and was recognized his senior year on Honors Day as 'Athlete Of The Year'.

After high school graduation, Bob attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois.

He was a member of the football and track teams. In 1970 Bob had the distinct honor of being recognized for his athletic achievements in the book 'Outstanding College Athletes of America'. Bob was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and enjoyed the lifelong bonds of the Sigma Chi brotherhood. In 1971 Bob graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a business degree and immediately following graduation began his career with State Farm Insurance.

After college Bob became an avid and award winning runner who participated in numerous runs and marathons, including The Boston Marathon and The Hood to Coast Relay, covering 195 miles. For all of Bob's Texas years, he loved and supported the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks and enjoyed being at many of the home games in the Dallas Cowboy's Stadium and the Dallas Maverick's American Airlines Center Arena.

Bob would be most proud of his dedication and commitment to his family. He was a strong and constant support system for his wife and children. Throughout the years, Bob resolutely demonstrated unwavering and unconditional love while working tirelessly to protect and provide. His ability to create and deliver fun was a special gift that his family will remember always.

Bob is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Karen Slayton Linder; children Chad Linder (Michelle); Courtney Linder; Bethany Linder Simeone (Korey); two grandsons, Logan Linder and Alex Linder; Siblings Charles Linder (Karon), Sandy Zvitt (Gary); Cheryl Gibisser (Glenn), Jim Linder (Patti), John Linder (Jill), Karin Vial (Ron).

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel, his parents, and two sisters, Debbie Linder and Barbara Millard.

Visitation will be 10:00 to 10:45 am Saturday, April 26th followed by a memorial service celebrating Bob's life at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church of Fairbury, located at 200 East Maple Street, Fairbury, Illinois. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery located in the 500 block of East Oak Street (Route 24), Fairbury, Illinois. Following the burial, a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.