Lyle Sander, 78, of Bowman, ND passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at the Southwest Healthcare Hospital in Bowman.
Funeral Services for Lyle will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bowman Lutheran Church. Pastor Charles Swanson will officiate with burial to follow in the Morristown Cemetery, Morristown, SD. There will be a Family and Friends on Friday, September 20, 2013 at the Bowman Lutheran Church beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Lyle Keith Sander was born October 11th, 1934 in McLaughlin, SD to Rollin Carroll and Viola Maxine (Scott) Sander. According to him he was born on a hill by a tree outside of McLaughlin, but always said he didn't remember much about it.
Lyle was raised in Morristown, SD and graduated in 1953 from Lemmon High School, Lemmon SD. During high school he met his High School Sweetheart and Dance Partner for life, Coleen Mae Baumberger. They were married August 15, 1954 and together raised 5 children: Randy, Rhonda, Wayne, Sherri and Brenda.
Lyle worked various jobs until moving his family to Bowman ND in 1960 to manage the Bowman O&M Elevator, later known as Bowman Grain. He retired in 1998 at the age of 64, but still frequented the elevator as he loved catching up with the farmers. Lyle was also very active in the community volunteering at numerous places, Yesterday's Farmers being one of his favorites. Lyle was an avid fan of any activity involving his children and grandkids. Lyle and Coleen spent their retirement between their home in AZ and Bowman.
Lyle always greeted everyone with a smile and a friendly hello. He always had a story to tell. His family and friends will forever be grateful for the advice, wisdom, humor and life experiences shared with all. At family gatherings he could always found be with at least one grandchild on his lap while teasing others .He would entertain the kids for hours.
Lyle loved dancing the polka & waltz (not too bad at jitterbugging either), playing cards, pegs & jokers, pinochle, fishing, and golf. Family gatherings were also a favorite, especially those involving remote lodges. Having the family together is "as close to Heaven as you can get," he would say. Some of his favorite things included Vanilla Ice Cream, riding in tractors, & visiting with farmers.
When the grandkids were asked to share some of their favorite memories of Grandpa, they all remembered how he would love to tease and joke with them. They can all recall a time where he would try to sit on their laps (pretending they weren't there), or grabbing your hand just before you were to take a bite, always ending in a good laugh.
When looking at the stars in the sky, we will always be searching for the brightest one, knowing that it is our dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa looking down at us and smiling. He was so loved and will be so missed but will live forever in our hearts and memories.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Coleen, sister, Jeanette, his children; Randy (Marie) Sander; Rhonda (Don) Wallman; Wayne (Gaye) Sander; Sherri (Dan) Engesser; Brenda (Karl) O'Donnell-Seel.
Grandchildren: Tanner, Tara (Jake), Trevor (Shantell), Bobby (Sarah), Chandra, Brandon (Tara), Blake (Samantha), CindaRae (Brian); Jessica (Adam), John, Casey (Laura); Dana (Elizabeth), Kyle (Kristi), Chelsy (Bill), Bret; Preston, Danica, Kaci; Clancy, Brooke.
Great Grandchildren: Isaac, Tryppton, Maverick, Tate, Tristen, Valencia, Kadan, Lailynn, Maddox; Emme, Piper; Damien, Sobella, Noelle, Amelia, Wayne, Taya, Ambree, Lux.
Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Service in charge of the arrangements.