Robert D. Sjogren

Robert D. Sjogren, CPA, 77, passed away on January 21, 2021. He was proud of his Swedish heritage and enjoyed the company of family and friends. He was born on October 5, 1943 in Concordia, KS and the second of three sons to Lawrence and Dorothy Sjogren. He was a 1961 graduate of Concordia High School, where he was active in football, basketball and track. He served as Co-Captain of the football and basketball teams his senior year.
He attended Kansas State University majoring in business. Bob played football for Kansas State University, serving as Co-Captain his senior year, earning the nickname “The Old Fighter.” He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
After graduating in 1965, he married Franco Hammel on July 16, 1966 and went to work for Arthur Young and Associates in Kansas City, MO. He served in the Army Reserves for six years.
Bob and Franco moved to Newton in 1971, where he joined the accounting firm of Knutsen/Monroe and Co. as a CPA. He became a senior partner and worked there until his retirement in 2009.
He was very involved in Newton First Presbyterian Church, where he was a Deacon and an Elder. He also served on the Ghost Ranch Foundation Board.
He was married to Franco until her passing in 1996. He married Marilyn Kemme in 2005. They greatly enjoyed international travel.
Bob was a huge supporter of his alma mater and was known to “bleed purple.” He was a proud member of the group of former football players known as the Golden Cats, served on the Kansas State Foundation Board, was a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, and held season football and basketball tickets.
As a lover of the arts, Bob supported the Carriage Factory Art Gallery in Newton, KS; the Birger Sandzen Gallery in Lindsborg, KS; the Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University, and was a season ticket holder for Music Theatre of Wichita.
He was a long-time member of Kiwanis, serving a term as President. He was a member of Newton Country Club and was an avid golfer. He supported KPTS-TV, KMUW-FM, Big Brothers and Sisters and EmberHope.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Franco (Hammel) Sjogren and brother James Sjogren. He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Kemme) Sjogren, Newton, KS; brother Charles (Bonnie) Sjogren, Concordia, KS; Sister-in-Law Marcia Sjogren, Concordia, KS; Brother-in-Law Don Hammel (Nancy), Bastrop, TX; Nephew Chuck Sjogren, Concordia, KS; Niece Kimba Sjogren, Wichita, KS; Nephew Timothy Sjogren, Concordia, KS; Niece Tammera Bird, Rochester, MN; Niece Jennifer Gonzalez, Studio City, CA; Nephew Phil Hammel, Austin, TX; Step-Daughter Cindy (Steve) Depoe, Cincinnati, OH; Step-Son Dan (Sheri Tollefson) Kemme, Albuquerque, NM; Step-Son Pete (Gayle) Kemme, Tucson, AZ; Step-Daughter Susan (Phil) Arensman, Wichita, KS, and 10 step-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday May 1, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church in Newton with The Rev. Scott McGinnis presiding. Memorials can be sent to the Permanent Endowment Fund of First Presbyterian Church in Newton, KS or to a charity of your choice.