Rodney Alan Sander, age 55, of Franklin passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Franklin.

Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services.  Interment will be held at Fort Ridgely Cemetery.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Rodney Alan Sander was born May 28, 1956 in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota to Arnold and Delores (Schroeder) Sander.  He was baptized June 24, 1956 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax, and confirmed on June 6, 1971 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Franklin.  Rodney attended Franklin High School, graduating in 1974.  On December 15, 1976, Rodney was united in marriage to Sharla Mack in South Dakota.  Rodney was a member of the Franklin American Legion.  He enjoyed farming and working for Sullivan Farms in the Spring and Fall.  Rodney loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening and mowing lawn.  He also loved playing cards, four-wheeling, and visiting with his friends.

Rodney is survived by his wife Sharla of 34 years; children: Jamie Sander of Fairfax, and Tracy Sander of Franklin; grandchildren: Kiana & Logan, and Josephine & Maverick; mother Delores Lund of Franklin; siblings: Roger (Paula) Rieke of Billings, MT, Kenneth (Diane) Rieke of Franklin, Duane (Julie) Sander of Stacy, MN, James (Laurie) Sander of Bemidji, Dennis (Lana) Sander of St. James; stepbrother Loni Lund of Franklin; uncle Lloyd Schroeder of Fairfax; and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his father Arnold, and brother John.