Robert (Bob) Tolle, 67, of Lawrence, Kansas, died peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by family. Mennonite Mission Network staff remember him as a friend, trusted Development Team member, and beloved Service Adventure unit leader.
For more than three decades Bob poured his life into the mission of Jesus. Beginning in the 1980s, he was an active member at Eden Mennonite Church (Moundridge, KS) and Peace Mennonite Church (Lawrence, KS). Later in life, one of his deepest joys came when he and his wife Sondra served as the Service Adventure unit leaders in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2015–2018). There, they opened their hearts to young adults not merely as participants, but as, “14 extra family members.”
After Albuquerque, Bob traveled the country on behalf of Mission Network, lending his humor, quiet strength, and unwavering faith to Mission Network supporters from coast to coast.
One highlight was a Civil Rights Just Peace Pilgrimage he shared with the entire Development team. “That experience with the team together is truly a treasured memory,” said Karen Horsman, director of Development, and Bob’s close colleague for many years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sondra; their children, grandchildren, and many spiritual sons and daughters.
Current and former Mission Network employees joined Bob’s family and friends at a celebration of Bob’s life that was held at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, Kansas, on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites gifts to Mission Network to support Service Adventure and other ministries that were close to Bob’s heart.
Horsman expressed the feelings from the entire Mission Network team, “You were deeply loved, Bob, and you will be missed by all of us.”
Memorials in Bob’s name may be made to Mission Network in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044.
You can read Bob’s full obituary here.
