Kenneth Sander

Kenneth Sander, 81, Wahpeton, ND died Friday, January 20, 2012, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 25 at First English Lutheran Church, Fairmount, ND with Rev. Anthony W. Ahrendt officiating. Visitation will be held at Willow Creek Chapel, Wahpeton, Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service; also, visitation one hour prior to time of service at the church on Wednesday. Interment will be held at Fairmount Cemetery.

Kenneth William Sander was born March 8, 1930, at rural Hankinson, ND to William F. and Clara (Holtz) Sander. He was baptized on April 6, 1930, by Rev. Klauser, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hankinson, ND. On May 21, 1944, Ken was confirmed at the First English Lutheran Church, Fairmount by Rev. Felix Rubbert. Ken graduated from Fairmount High School in 1947. He farmed with his father until 1955. On August 24, 1952, he married Muriel Snyder at Bethany United Methodist Church, rural Fairmount. From 1955 until 1957 he served honorably with the US Army in the Tank Corps. The couple moved back to Fairmount area where they farmed until 1965. Ken then became the manager of the LaMars Co-op Elevator for 30 years, retiring in 1994. The couple had moved into Wahpeton in 1993 where they have continued to reside.

Ken was an active member of First English Lutheran Church acting as an Elder in the church; had been up to the present sexton of Fairmount Cemetery; had worked for Pioneer Seed Company for 2 years after his retirement; and had been a long time dedicated volunteer for the Chahinkapa Zoo and Prairie Rose Carousel. He had received a national award form Washington, D. C. for his recycling efforts for Cans for Camels Campaign in 1996. He received the Chamber of Commerce Extra Mile Award in 2003, and had received the Chahinkapa Zoo Habitat Heroes Award in 2005.

Ken is survived by his wife, Muriel, Wahpeton, ND; son, Paul (Deb) Sander, Lake Park, MN; daughter, Joan (Randy) Engebretson, Fargo, ND; 4 grandchildren, Matthew Sander, Christine, ND, Natalie (Charles) Slininger, Rosemount, MN, David Engebretson, West Fargo, Jason Engebretson, Fargo; 2 great-grandchildren, Ryan and JoLynn Slininger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 grandson, Mark Engebretson; 2 brothers, Orville and Elmer; and 1 sister, Rosella Smith.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND.