Robert Zakskorn

Robert "Bob" Zakskorn, beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, colleague, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2026, after a brief and aggressive illness, with his loving wife, Lynn, and daughter, Jacqueline, by his side.

Bob was born on January 5, 1956, in Ogden, Utah, at Hill Air Force Base. Growing up in a military family, he spent part of his childhood in Europe before his family settled in Sacramento in 1961, the city he would call home for the rest of his life. He was a proud graduate of Bella Vista High School and Sacramento State University.

Bob began working at just fifteen years old, starting a work ethic that would define his life. He built a remarkable career of more than five decades in the food industry, working with Knudsen Dairy, Blue Diamond Growers, Klein Brothers, and independently brokering almonds and walnuts before spending the final 34 years of his career with Ingredion Inc.

A consummate salesman and natural people person, Bob was known for his gregarious, larger-than-life personality. He didn't simply know his customers - he knew their spouses, their children, what sports they played, and which teams they cheered for. He made people feel remembered and valued and took great pride in mentoring colleagues throughout his career.

Bob was a past board member of the Sacramento State Alumni Association and was active in numerous food industry organizations, including NCIFT, AACT, the California League of Food Producers, and the Western Candy Association. In 2025, he was honored with the Harvey Barrett Member of the Year Award at his final Western Candy Conference in San Diego, an honor that meant a great deal to him. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Sutter Club.

Anyone who knew Bob knew his love for duck hunting and fishing. Opening day was more than a date on the calendar - it meant months of preparation, anticipation, and plenty of stories with his beloved hunting buddies.

Above all, Bob loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Lynn for 42 years and a loving father to Jacqueline. His humor, generosity, strength, work ethic, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ann Zakskorn, and his brother, Michael Zakskorn. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lynn Banchero Zakskorn, and his daughter, Jacqueline; his brothers-in-law, John Banchero (Diane) and Van Longyear (Maureen); his brothers, Charlie Zakskorn (Rhonda), Pete Zakskorn (Cheryl), and Pat Zakskorn (Jane); his sister-in-law, Debbie Zakskorn; and his mother-in-law, Mary Banchero.

He is also survived by his nephews and nieces: John Longyear, Michael Longyear, Kate Longyear, Mary Kate Ruiz, John Banchero, Kathryn Allen, Chad Zakskorn, Stefanie Lynch, Stacie Hodgkin, Shelly Herzfeldt, Lauren Zakskorn, Ryan Zakskorn, and Nicole Zakskorn.

Bob worked hard, loved deeply, laughed loudly, and lived life with a personality impossible to forget.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ignatius Loyola Parish or a charity of your choice.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, 3235 Arden Way, Sacramento, California.