Service Information
Alan Sander, age 69, of St. Martin, Minnesota, passed away Monday, August 13, 2018, at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be Friday, August 17, 2018, 11:00 A.M. at the Hauser-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Fairfax with interment in Fort Ridgely Cemetery, Ridgely Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will Friday, August 17, 2018, from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. at the Hauser-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Fairfax.
Military Honors by the Fairfax Honor Guard.
Obituary
Alan Alfred Sander was born on September 12, 1948, in St. Peter, Minnesota. He was the son of Alfred and Dorothy (Bemmels) Sander. Alan was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at the United Methodist Church in Fairfax. He received his education in Fairfax and was a graduate of the Fairfax High School Class of 1966.
On August 8, 1966, Alan entered active military service and served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Alan received his Honorable Discharged on August 1, 1969.
On October 10, 1970, Alan was united in marriage to Linda Case at the United Methodist Church in Fairfax. After their marriage, the couple resided in Fairfax, Olivia, Springfield, Brainerd and St. Martin, Minnesota. Alan was employed as a boiler operator in Springfield from 1977 through 1994, and in Brainerd from 1994 through 2011. Alan and Linda were blessed with three children. They shared 47 years of marriage.
Alan was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.
Alan enjoyed woodworking, camping, teasing, and visiting with anyone and everyone. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Alan passed away at the Assumption Home in Cold Spring, Minnesota, on Monday, August 13, 2018, at the age of 69 years. Blessed be his memory.
Alan is survived by his:
Wife, Linda Sander of St. Martin, MN;
Children, Chad (Karen) Sander of Albany, MN,
Gwen (Terry) Valentien of Cold Spring, MN, and
Jenny (Russ) DeStefano of Long Beach, MS;
5 Grandchildren, Brittany, Cassie, Tyler, Tony and Anna;
Sisters, Jean Hansen, Pat (Lon) Johnson, and Mary (Jim) Jacobs;
Brother, Steve (Judy) Sander;
Sisters-In-Law, Jane Hale and Sue Lewis;
Brothers-In-Law, Kenny Case, Burt (Carol) Case;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Alan was preceded in death by his Parents, Alfred and Dorothy Sander.
Jean Sander-Hansen says
My brother, “Big Al” was one of the most gentle, solid, fun-loving, steadfast, and wise people I have ever known. Don’t get me wrong, he had a sense of humor and could tease like nobody’s business! Everyone who knew him knew that about him. They often say, you can tell the character of a man by their legacy, by the children they leave behind. Nothing speaks higher of him, than his family who survives him, including his wife, Linda.
Seeing his fight over the past several months, it is reassuring to know he is at peace. I always looked up to him as my big brother; now I just have to look a lot higher!!!
Rest In Peace, Al!
Carol Chambard says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I think Alan took after his father in his good humor and teasing. God bless you all!
Laura (Sander) Goodwin says
So sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Even as a kid he was a good teaser. I wont be able to be there for the service but I will be with you in thought and prayer. May God pour out His peace and comfort on you as you celebrate his life. Laura
Ken Davis says
Linda and family. I’m so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He was a fun guy. I always enjoyed the time I had with him.
Roylee Kraninger says
We only had the pleasure of meeting with Jen’s Daddy a couple of times, but such a nice and funny man. The whole family has a way of making you feel welcome and a part of the family. So Very Sorry for your loss.
Shannon M. Hansen says
Rest in Peace, Uncle Al
Glenn & Barb Buboltz says
Linda & family and the Sander siblings:
We do remember “Big Al”
Sending our sympathy, thoughts, and prayers.
Brian Bemmels says
So sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Our sympathies go out to Linda, and his siblings Jean, Pat, Mary, Steve and other family members. I have many fond memories of family visits with the cousins. He will be sadly missed.
Brian & Marcia Bemmels
Sue Chambard-Thompson says
I knew Al all my life growing up with him in Fairfax as his sister was my best friend. Al was shy when growing up but a very nice quiet person. We will miss him greatly. Susan Chambard-Thompson
Susan Chambard-Thompson says
I have known Al all my life since I grew up in Fairfax with him. I was best friends with his sister so I was at their house quite frequently. He was quiet and shy when growing up but always sincere and trustworthy. We will miss you greatly Al. Rest in peace.