On October 13, 2018, a golden heart stopped beating. John Lewis Sander, 84, of Galesville, passed away peacefully at Gundersen Health System.

John was born the only child to Lewis and Gerda (Oppegaard) Sander on August 28, 1934. He was raised on the family farm in German Coulee and later moved to the village of Ettrick. On April 2, 1954, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Blankenhorn, at French Creek Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years; their children, Laurie (Kurt) Nelson, Rhonda (Mike) Flaherty, and David; seven grandchildren, Andrea (Darin) Maliszewski, Kyle Nelson, Kaitlyn (Kyle Canar, fiancé) and Mackenzie Flaherty, Madison, Hannah and Olivia Sander; two great-grandchildren, Estelle and Camden John Maliszewski; a sister-in-law, Helen (Bennett) Onsrud; a special cousin and friend, Winston Zeman; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Howard (Doris) Blankenhorn.

John drove fuel delivery truck in his early years before he became the manager of a bulk fuel oil and furnace repair business in Ettrick. He also managed John’s One Stop on Highway 53 for over 35 years. John was a compassionate businessman and always enjoyed chatting with his customers. In addition, John was active in Ettrick community organizations including Lions Club, Volunteer Fire Department, Businessmen’s Association, Ettrick Housing (serving as president for many years), Ettrick Mutual Insurance board, and Ettrick Cemetery Association board. He received several recognitions but was most proud of the Melvin Jones Award, Lion of the Year and Citizen of the Year Award. He was a life-long member of Living Hope Lutheran Church.

Twenty-four hours in a day was definitely not enough time for John. Besides his business and community commitments, his true passion was for the land and animals. For years, he farmed alongside his father, Lewis, first in Ettrick and then on the Blankenhorn family farm in Galesville. John and Marilyn took great pride in the farm and renovated it. Over the years it has become a gathering spot and hub of activity for the entire family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren on the farm, passing on his love of animals.
John was loved by his wife and children, and adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His warm smile and tender heart will be missed by all.

Funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Living Hope Lutheran Church in Ettrick, WI. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 am until 11:30 am at the church. A gathering of friends and family will follow the service.