Richard “Rich” Orvin Sander, age 57 of Redwood Falls, passed away Friday, May 30, 2014 at Seasons Hospice House in Redwood Falls after a short battle with cancer. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 3 at Assembly of God Church. Visitation is 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at the church and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Interment is in Redwood Falls Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Richard Orvin Sander was born June 22, 1956 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to Orvin and Helen (Pequin) Sander. He graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1974, and was always proud of the fact he was a lifelong resident of Redwood Falls. At a very young age, Rich began working with his father and brothers in the family construction business. He took over sole ownership of Sander Construction in September 2005. Rich was joined in marriage to Brenda Pendleton; together they had two sons. On August 6, 1994, Rich and Sandy were united in marriage. Rich was a diehard Viking fan and was always hopeful of a Super Bowl championship. He was a lover of music and enjoyed sharing his vast music collection. Rich loved reading about Civil War history. He learned his passion for ice fishing from his father and enjoyed sharing that passion with his grandchildren. Rich was also a volunteer member for the Restorative Justice Program and enjoyed helping young people.
Rich is survived by his wife Sandy of 20 years; stepson Christopher (Carmen) Bengtson of Redwood Falls; stepdaughter Stephanie (Warren) Mathiowetz of Morgan; grandchildren Keegan, Rory, Eli, and Jesse Bengtson, Mya Jo, Kharma, and Landon Mathiowetz; sibings: Junette Grannes of Olivia, Judy Lopez of Denver, CO, Jim (Kari) Sander of Redwood Falls, Randy (Denise) Sander of Redwood Falls; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sons Christopher and Jesse, and great nephew Whyatt Sander.
Our sympathy to Rich’s family. He did a lot of construction work for us over many years. Rich was willing to help with whatever we needed done on the house. Just a month ago he helped John put in a garage door opener. We were shocked to hear of his untimely death. May God comfort you with his loving arms in the days ahead. He will certainly be missed. Blessed be his memory!
Our thoughts and prayers are with this family, We are glad to have met Sandy and Rich only with volunteering in Restorative Justice. You have been a great help in our lives Sandy as I am sure all the kids Richard helped has been a great help. You both will be missed. Hope to see you again in Circle sentencing.
Sincerely,
The Livingston / Lindner family
Sandy, please accept by deepest condolences on RIch’s passing. My prayers are with you and the familybat this time.
Love and prayers,
Pauline S.
To The Entire Sander Family,
My heart goes out to each one of you, Rich left such a mark in this world. When you meet a gentlemen, which I may ad he was in Jr. High School, that trait will, and did, follow him for the rest of his life! He lived a life of “enjoying the good things” with those he loved. May his smile carry you through these hard days, in honor of him may we all pay forward that smile to others.
Our sympathy and prayers.
Jim and family: I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Rich. You have my deepest sympathies.
-John Wilcoxon
Sandi and family;
Just a short note to express our sympathies on your loss. Rich was a passionate and caring person. You are in our prayers.
Terry & Linda
So sad and sorry to hear about Rich’s sudden passing. I only knew him when we were kids, but childhood memories are always the best ones. I pray that all your treasured memories will keep you strong thru this complicated time.
Toni Muetzel
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.