Robert Charles Sundstrom

robert sundstrom

October 18, 1928 ~ July 28, 2012


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Robert 'Bob' Charles Sundstrom, 83, passed away July 28, 2012. Survived by his children, Donnalee (Daniel) Bloomer, Scott (Teresa) Sundstrom, Jill (Edward) Williams, and Todd (Vicki) Sundstrom; grandchildren, Jennifer Bloomer, Scott Bloomer, Aaron Bloomer (Amanda Nordmeyer), Michael Sundstrom, and Mark Sundstrom; and great-grandchildren, Miles Bloomer and Breckin Bloomer. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane Sundstrom. Bob was born to James and Blanche Sundstrom on October 18, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Bob grew up playing baseball in Brooklyn, N.Y., and eventually became a pitcher in the minor leagues for the former Brooklyn Dodgers, which originally brought him and his family to Pueblo in 1950, where he would pitch for the Pueblo Dodgers at Runyon Field. After retiring from baseball, he worked as a weapons inspector at the former Pueblo Army Depot and eventually moved his growing family to Rocky Ford where he continued to be involved with coaching local baseball teams and was instrumental in planning the building of the Babcock Park in Rocky Ford. In 1975, he moved his family overseas to Germany and worked there in civil service for many years until his retirement as a quality assurance inspector. In 1998, he and his wife, Betty, returned to Pueblo to enjoy their retirement years. Ever the avid sports fan, he actively supported local baseball and softball programs throughout his life and often worked tirelessly to promote and further the sport for younger generations. Baseball was the centerpiece of his life to the end, and though humble about his 'celebrity' as a minor league pitcher, through the years many enjoyed the interesting stories he willingly shared from his baseball experiences as well as the knowledge he was able to pass along about the game. He was a kind and generous man who always tried to help others before himself. His family will always remember him fondly as the 'big Swede.' There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Service, 10 a.m. August 18, 2012, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Online condolences: www.montgomerysteward.com

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Sundstrom Family,
    So sad to hear the passing of your dad. What a great man ! My dad worked with him at the Pueblo Army Depot and talked fondly of him often. He helped my brother and I immensely in improving our baseball skills. My brother Ron said Bob showed him how to throw the curveball and Ron once struck out 17 hitters in a doubleheader with that curveball and then got offered a college scholarship after high school. With his love of the game and always ” the coach ” you just know his legacy will never be forgotten! RIP Coach !!

  2. Scott:

    Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. I feel as if I knew him through you and your easy smile when speaking of him. Let your many wonderful memories of him sustain you during this journey.

    God Bless.

  3. Scott and Family,

    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during the very difficult time.

    With Deepest Sympathy,
    Donna Groover

  4. Coach Sundstrom was more than just a coach, he was a father figure to many of his ballplayers. Through kindness and genuine affection he left an impression on me that went way beyond the boundaries of the baseball field. He trusted me on the field, and more importantly he trusted me as a person…I asked him once why he had me steal home so often….he told me that he knew I’d make every effort to get there. Coach, I know that you will get “there.” I have no doubt that someday you’ll be waving me home to get me “there” safely. God Bless You. With Extreme Affection and Constant Love, your Centerfielder….RRC

  5. Jill, Edward and Family,
    Jill I was so saddened to see your Dad has passed away. I wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I enjoyed visiting with your Dad when he was able to come into the pharmacy for himself. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met. You have that same kindness and great smile! I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you even though I do not get to see my great customers any longer, always know you are just a thought away! May God Bless You and Your Family Always!!


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

  1. CandleImage
  2. CandleImage
  3. CandleImage
  4. CandleImage
  5. CandleImage
  6. CandleImage
  7. CandleImage
  8. CandleImage

Accessibility Tools
hide