http://www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com/

Sunset Funeral and Cremation Association, 100 North Avenue, Echo, MN (2026)

04/04/2026

Mass of Christian Burial for Robert “Bob” Zwach, 73, of Milroy, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Milroy.

Robert Steven Zwach was born on June 1, 1952, in Tracy, MN. He was the oldest of six children born to Robert Edward and Doris Cecelia (Halfmann) Zwach. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. Bob graduated from Milroy Public School and Canby Vo-Tech for Production Agriculture. He farmed with his dad from 1970 raising grain, hogs and cattle. Soon after, Bob met the love of his life, Debra Lynn Rudenick. On July 26th, 1975, the couple were married. To this union two children were born; Amanda “Mandy” Mary and Matthew Robert. Later, son-in-law Michael was added and a grandson Maxwell “Max” Robert. Bob was a stabilizing force for his family.

Bob and Deb enjoyed dancing, going for rides on their Harley or in their Duster, and going out to eat. They were known at every café and restaurant in the area, going for breakfast and also for supper most nights. With their family, they enjoyed playing Crazy 8, cracking silly jokes, four-wheeler rides, and watching Caitlin Clark play basketball. Bob’s eyes lit up every time his grandson, Max, entered the room. He enjoyed teaching Max about combining, playing pool, and golfing.

Bob loved his community and saw the value in doing business locally. He was always willing to help anyone in need and enjoyed his time holding many positions on various committees: Charger member and President of the Milroy Lion’s Club; Knights of Columbus member, President of FCAM Elevator Board; and Brandy Friday President for over 30 years; bringing over 120 members together.

Bob was cheerful, charismatic, and never late for anything in his life. He had his mom’s steadiness and his father’s silly nature. Bob kept a huge list of many birthdays and as a special treat, he would call the person of their special day and sing them the rubber ducky song. He also surprised friends and neighbors with fresh sweet corn delivered to their door.

Bob loved farming and watching the crops grow. He was proud to be on the original Zwach farm in Gales Township and proud of his Zwach Heritage. After his father retired from farming in 1990, he farmed with his brother, Tim. After being diagnosed with glioblastoma, Bob led his family through this devastating situation with wisdom, humor, and endless hugs. During his treatment, he continued to work on the farm; digging the fields and combining corn through the 2025 season. Bob was also able to enjoy his friends at golf league that last year.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Bob died on April 3, 2026, at Prairie Home Hospice Lockwood House in Marshall with his family surrounding him. We sang rubber ducky for him on this day.
He is survived by his wife, Deb, daughter Mandy (Michael) Weaklend, son Matthew, grandson Max Weaklend, brother Tim (Suzann) Zwach, sisters Lori (Pat) Dolan, Renee Zwach, Peg (Greg) Schmoll, Colleen Zwach (Jeff Seeman), brother-in-law Wayne (Jan) Rudenick, sisters-in-law Pam Maasch, Paula Lockhart, and Ann Rudenick and mother-in-law Mary Rudenick.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Doris, father-in-law Russell Rudenick, brother-in-law Dean Rudenick, and niece Jenny Rudenick.

03/31/2026

Help Wanted
Part-Time Office Manager
Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association – Echo, MN

Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented individual to serve as a part-time Office Manager.
Position Details:
• Approximately 15 hours per week
• Pay: $20/hour

Responsibilities include:
• General clerical and office support
• Accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Funeral service administration, including:
o Death certificate filing
o Memorial folder creation
o Memorial video production
• Oversight of office and facility needs

The ideal candidate will be organized, reliable, and comfortable working in a professional, service-oriented environment. Experience with office management or administrative work is preferred.

To Apply:
Please send your resume to:
Sunset Funeral Association
P.O. Box 1092
Marshall, MN 56258

03/12/2026

The funeral service for Jeanetta Hartke, 90, of Wood Lake, will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wood Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Jeanetta Fern (Kolander) Hartke was born on July 24, 1935, in Altamont, SD, to Herman and Hulda (Marquardt) Kolander. She grew up in rural Vesta and was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns’ Lutheran Church in Vesta. On May11, 1957, she was united in marriage to Walter Hartke at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Jeanetta and Walter made their home and raised their family on a farm near Wood Lake. Jeanetta’s faith was important to her. She was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wood Lake and the St. John’s Women’s Society. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and will be remembered for her baking, cookies and other treats.

Jeanetta died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Avera Morningside Heights in Marshall. She is survived by her children Susan (Mike) Baklarz of Estero, FL, Michael Hartke of Wood Lake, James Hartke of Marshall, Jason (Karen) Hartke of Wood Lake; four grandchildren David (Megan) Christle of Mountain View, CA, and Nikolas, Kaylee, and Jaxon Hartke of Wood Lake; sisters Delaine Schwartz of Vesta and June Luepke of Echo, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Walter, brothers and sisters Gordon, Gail, Elenora and Lucille.

03/12/2026

Mass of Christian Burial for Jane Irlbeck, 84, of Springfield, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. at St. Anne’s and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Wabasso.

Jane Ellen (Baune) Irlbeck was born on November 24, 1941, in Vail Township, to Gregor and Elenora (Hammerschmidt) Baune. She grew up in Wabasso and graduated from St. Anne’s Catholic School in 1959. On August 26, 1959, she was united in marriage to LeRoy Irlbeck. The couple lived in a variety of communities in the area, primarily in Wabasso. Jane worked for St. Anne’s School, the Wabasso Nursing Home, Salfer’s Clover Farm (Grocery Store), was a Bar Tender at Dicks Bar, was a Home Health Aid and later retired from SEI in Redwood Falls.

Family was the most important to Jane. She was an excellent host and enjoyed family gatherings. She had a big heart and her door was always open to all friends and family. She was a humble person and always willing to help others without looking for recognition. She was a good listener and was someone that people could turn to during difficult times. She also enjoyed traveling. In 2022, she was fortunate to visit all seven of her living siblings. In her later years, Jane enjoyed playing Bingo and many other social activities.

Jane died on Thursday, March 5, 2026, under hospice care at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN. She is survived by her daughter Tammy (Harley) Duscher of Willmar, daughter Amy Skalbeck (fiancé Tom Norstegard) of Morgan, son David (Jill) Irlbeck of Lamberton, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, three bonus great-grandchildren; siblings Beatrice Riley of WA, Shirley Junt of AZ, Lorell Reiderer of Sleepy Eye, Pat (Ruth) Baune of Rochester, nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband LeRoy, son Daniel, granddaughter Tarah Irlbeck, two brothers, two sisters, and other in-laws, relatives and friends.

02/22/2026

The funeral service for Margaret Inez Sander, 85, of Belview, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Belview. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Belview.

Margaret Inez (McCarty) Sander was born on February 6, 1941, in Worthington, MN, to William and Georgianna (Jordan) McCarty. She was baptized at the Catholic Church in Worthington and confirmed at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. The family lived on their farmstead in rural Echo. Margaret attended Echo Township School. She was united in marriage to Tyler Eugene Sander on June 16, 1955. In 1956, they moved to their present home in Belview. Margaret received her LPN certification in Willmar in 1975 and, later, received her BS in Nursing in Willmar in 1997. She worked as a Nurse for 35 years in various places including the Granite Falls Hospital, Renvilla Nursing Home, Parkview Nursing Home and Wood Dale Nursing Home. She was a member of the Red Hat Organization, Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Parkview Auxiliary. Margaret enjoyed crocheting, knitting, doll collecting, antique collecting, and genealogy. She also enjoyed time spent with family, being at the lake and her dog Sassy.

Margaret died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. She is survived by daughters Vicky (Marvin) Kuehn of Redwood Falls, Cheri Fern of St. Cloud, Rose Jackson (Michael) of Belview, and Mary (Tim) Schwaegerl of Brookings, SD; daughter-in-law Kathy Sander of Redwood Falls; son-in-law Doug Arnold of Brandon; 16 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; as well as siblings, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tyler Eugene Sander, son Robert Sander, daughter Patricia Arnold, grandson Brandon Sander, great-grandson Jaden Sander and her siblings.

Arrangements with
Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association
Echo, Minnesota
507.925.4145
www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com

02/18/2026

Mary Jennifer Crockett passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 57, following an extended illness. Born December 26, 1968, in Alpena, MI, she enjoyed a carefree childhood with siblings and friends, most often at their Partridge Point lake residence. As a teenager Mary had the opportunity to travel to Europe for a summer, and played a variety of sports, including tennis, softball, and cheerleading. She also began work as a CNA in the Alpena community which would later spark her love for her future God-directed career choice of occupational therapy. She graduated in 1993 from the College of St. Katherine in St. Paul, MN, with a B.S. in Occupational Therapy, and would serve in this career for over 32 years. She maintained that loving and serving others through this occupation was one of her most satisfying life decisions ever made. In her later adult life she met her life partner, Brian Krutchek, with whom she shared eight-plus years of compatibility and commitment.

Mary always held a special respect and care for her many patients, and also co-workers in occupational therapy.

Mary is survived by her mother, Susan Hoff, of Cottonwood, MN, her father, Wallace (Eunice) Crockett, of Traverse City, MI, her sister Emily (Kayne) Larimer, of Rapid City, SD, brothers Matt Crockett of Anchorage, AK, and Steve (April) Crockett, of Andover, MN, and her fiance, Brian Krutchek. Also surviving Mary are her children, Kurt (Emma) Daniels, Luke (Morgan) Daniels, Claire Daniels, and grandchildren twins Otto and Edith Daniels. She leaves behind her dear supportive friends Bill and Sue Keyes, Gwen and Jim Bacon, Julie and Paul Neisius, among many others who touched her life. Loyalty and laughter were among the qualities Mary cherished with her "people." She was preceded in death by her sister, Katie Crockett, and grandparents Clifford and Agnes Fischer, and Rev. Elmer and Frances Crockett.

A private memorial gathering for family and friends is being planned.

02/05/2026

A graveside service for Bruce Gryting, 78, of Roseville, formerly of Belview, MN, will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Belview Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday, February 6, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Sunset Funeral Home in Echo. A reception will be at the Odean in Belview immediately after interment. This will be a time to share memories. All are invited to each of these gatherings.

Bruce Harold Gryting was born on February 16, 1947, to Ethel and Louis Gryting. He passed on January 26, 2026, at the age of 78.
Bruce was an active athlete, sportsman, and excellent student. In January of 1964, he sustained a tragic accident while dismantling a structure to build an ice fishing house. He suffered a cervical fracture that resulted in quadriplegia. Despite this life-changing event, Bruce’s intellect, wisdom, grit, and humor continued to sustain him and those around him. He was an example and an inspiration to many.

Despite the impact of his accident, Bruce accomplished an extraordinary number of achievements throughout his life. After receiving treatment and convalescing at the Mayo Clinic and Sister Kenney Institute, he returned home. He graduated from Belview High School and Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. Bruce attended Texas Tech University Law School in Lubbock, TX. Upon graduating and passing the Multi-State Bar Examination, he was licensed to practice law in both Texas and Minnesota. He established his law office in International Falls, where he was welcomed and served the community as well as the National Park Service for many years. Eventually, Bruce returned to Belview, where he continued his law practice, spent time with family, and cared for his mother.

Bruce was an exceptional chess player, a lover of wildlife, and a hunter. He enjoyed reading philosophy, watching old westerns and murder mysteries, playing cribbage, painting, and writing. He also traveled, visiting his siblings and exploring many parts of United States and a trip to the Cayman Islands. Bruce received many honors in his lifetime. Notably the WCCO Good Neighbor Award and the Rose and Jay Phillips Award in recognition of exceptional courage and determination in achieving vocational independence, and for community involvement and leadership. He served as a member of the village council in his hometown of Belview.
Bruce was a delight to be with. His vast and varied knowledge, together with his wit, made him a wonderful conversational companion.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Louis Clarence Gryting, his mother, Ethel Wilhelmine (Hagen) Gryting; his sister Laurie Coreen Haight, his brother Lowell Edward Gryting; brothers-in-law Banning Hanscom, Charles Haight, Wallace Simpson, Rolf Brende; sister-in-law Sandy Hendrickson Gryting; and his niece Heather Louise Haight. He is survived by his sisters Rebecca Hanscom, Rose Simpson, Julie Brende, Ethel Gimmestad, Brenda Heltne, and Angela Huddleston; brother Robin Gryting; brothers-in-law Michael Gimmestad, Carl Heltne, and Phil Huddleston; as well as many nephews and nieces.

Memorials received will be given in Bruce’s honor to the Spinal Cord Society and The United Spinal Association.

11/24/2025

Mass of Christian Burial for Nicholas “Nick” Guetter, Jr., 85, of Wabasso, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso. A livestream and recording of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the church, with a Knights of Columbus rosary beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

Nicholas Robert Guetter, Jr., was born on December 29, 1939, in Wabasso, to Nicholas Sr. and Mildred (Boever) Guetter. He attended St. Anne’s Catholic School, graduating in 1958. Nick then attended Dunwoody Vocational School in Minneapolis. After meeting Ann Tutewohl at a dance, the couple was married on June 22, 1963, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosemount. They lived in Bloomington until moving to Wabasso in 1975. Nick was a hard worker, first in the auto repair industry, then as an owner of a gas station and convenience store. He was also very involved in the Wabasso community, including as an active member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, the Wabasso Lions Club, and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus just to mention a few.

Nick loved time spent with friends and family. He and Ann took many trips, including memorable ones to Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, Ireland, and the Holy Land. Nick enjoyed all sports, both watching and sponsoring teams. He truly enjoyed sponsoring the Wabasso fast pitch softball team, and he was recently inducted into the Minnesota State Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. He earned the nickname “Big Guy,” which followed him long past his softball career. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events as often as he could. Nick also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his children and grandchildren at the family cabin and in Canada. He could often be seen riding around town in his side by side.

Nick died on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by his wife Ann of 62 years of Wabasso; children Tom (Kelly) Guetter of Redwood Falls, Bob (Polly) Guetter of Miltona, and Pam (John) Hendrickson of Alexandria; grandchildren Kelsey (Cody) Rose, Bob Jr. (Kaitlin) Guetter, Colin (Jill) Guetter, Cheyenne Hendrickson, Carter (Morgan Franklin) Guetter, and Andrew (Sarah Anderson) Hendrickson; great-grandchildren Kaylee, Chloe, and Kelby Rose, Wyatt and baby-to-be Guetter, and Theo Hendrickson; siblings Louie Guetter, Lawrence (Leslie) Guetter, Mary Frericks, and Mike (Louise) Guetter; as well as many other relatives and friends. Nick was preceded in death by his parents Nick Sr. and Mildred Guetter, brother Eugene Guetter, and brother-in-law Ralph Frericks.

11/23/2025

Delores Mae Hogen, 93, of Springfield, formerly of Lucan, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at St. John’s Nursing Home in Springfield. Mass of Christian Burial for Delores will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Lucan. A livestream and recording of the service will be available at https://www.youtube.com/. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Sunset Funeral Home in Wabasso with a prayer service at 6:00. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cemetery in Lucan.

Delores was born on May 1, 1932, in Aldrich, MN, to Louis and Helen Erkel, the youngest of 4 siblings. She grew up in Lamberton, graduating from Lamberton High School in 1950. On February 19, 1955, she was united in marriage to James Hogen at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lamberton. To this union three children were born. Delores was a stay-at-home mom raising her 3 three boys. Later in life she worked at State Bank of Lucan until her retirement. Delores was very active in the community of Lucan and at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandma. Her home cooked meals and baking made every family gathering special.

Delores is survived by her children Brian (Julie) of Springfield, Brad (Joy) of Pequot Lakes, Barry (Rebecca) of Golden Valley; grandchildren Ryne (Nicole) of Sartell, Kelsea of Maple Grove, Jennifer (Cody) of West Fargo, Megan (Erik) of Woodbury, Rachel (Andrew) of Inwood, WV and Isaac of Minneapolis; and one great-grandchild Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, and her 3 siblings Clifford, Howard, and Donald Erkel.

The family would like to express their gratitude to staff at St. John’s Nursing Home in Springfield and the staff at Allina Hospital in New Ulm.

11/12/2025

Esther Fiene passed into heaven on October 20, 2025 in Jupiter, Florida, surrounded by her family. She was 99 years old. Esther was born in Winona, Minnesota on March 14, 1926 to Haakon and Karen (Hanson) Ask. Her parents were immigrants from Norway, and she was a part of a family of 13 children, 4 boys and 9 girls. When she was 12, her family moved to Winona, Minnesota.

Esther met her much loved husband, William (Bill) Fiene in 1944 when they were students at Winona State College. In 1945 they were married in Winona and moved to Minneapolis. Esther graduated from Winona State with a degree in Education, Magna Cum Laude.

Bill and Esther lived in Wells, Echo, and eventually Montevideo, Minnesota, where they were active in St. Paul’s Lutheran church. In 1968, they moved to Cortez, Colorado, where they worshiped at Trinity Lutheran church. Finally, she moved to Gainesville, Florida and eventually Jupiter, Florida. She was currently attending Faith Lutheran church in North Palm Beach, Florida. No matter where she lived she was an active member of her church and loved serving others as she served her Lord.

Esther was a teacher. She started teaching in country schools around Montevideo and then taught Special Education classes in both Minnesota and Colorado. Eventually she taught first grade and that was her true love.

Esther lived her whole life as a child of God. Her love for her Savior influenced all she did and she treated all around her with kindness, generosity and love. Esther taught her children to love the Lord. She was much admired for her fortitude and faith.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband Bill. She is survived by her five children, Kristine (Ron) Lee, Susan (Jim) Halverson Westerberg, JoAnne Dillion, John (Solveig) Fiene, and Sara (Keith) Frizzell, 16 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters Carol Kilstofte and Anita Currier.

Visitation will be held at the Sunset Funeral Home in Echo on Friday, November 21 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 22, at 11 am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Posen Township with visitation from 10-11 am before the service. Interment will be at the Echo Cemetery after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church.

11/07/2025

The funeral service for Phyllis Miller, 83, of Wood Lake, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Posen Township. Visitation will be Monday, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Tuesday, one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Interment will follow the service at the church cemetery.

Phyllis Lenore (Hanson) Miller was born on her grandparents Norman and Christi Lecy family farm in Sioux Agency Township, Yellow Medicine County, on September 21, 1942 to Philip and Annabelle (LaVien) Hanson. She was baptized and confirmed at Rock Valle Lutheran Church North of Echo and maintained lifelong fond memories of the church. As a child, she and her family lived in Boyd until moving back to Echo in 1952 where she graduated from Echo High School. Phyllis worked for a time for the Echo Dental Clinic. On November 18, 1961, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Donald Miller, at Rock Valle Lutheran Church north of Echo. The couple farmed until 1987 when they moved to Vesta. They owned and operated the Vesta Café for 12 years, then moved to Wood Lake. Phyllis worked for North Star Insurance Company until her retirement.

Phyllis had a kind and gentle spirit. She loved kids and even taught kindergarten at the St. Luke’s Parochial School for a year after her marriage. She was an active member of St. Luke’s and participated with the funeral committee and was Treasurer of Ladies’ Aid. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and other organizations. Phyllis was an excellent cook and had a great sense of humor. She lived at the Parkwood Apartments for a time, then due to health reasons moved to the Parkview Senior Living.

Phyllis died on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Parkview Senior Living in Belview, MN. She is survived by her children Connie (Doug) House of Cottonwood and Kent Miller of Holmen, WI; grandchildren Thomas (Jenay) House, Kimberly Becker, Kayla (Ryan) Fromm and Joshua (April) Forer; great-grandchildren Caroline, William, and Jack House; Kinsley and Kylie Becker; Nolan, Tate and Madden Fromm; and Kaylee, Blake and Maya Forer; sister LeAnn (Dwight) Kurtz; sisters-in-law Kathy (Lanny) Boelter and Donna (Michael) Hagen, brother-in-law Roger (Jan) Boelter and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, sister Katie Kraber, brother Noel Hanson and sister-in-law Diane Boelter.

Memorials Preferred to the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Ladies’ Aid.

10/16/2025

The funeral service for Tyler “Eugene” Sander, 94, of Belview, will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Belview. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow at Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Belview.

Tyler “Eugene” Sander was born on August 2, 1931, in Swedes Forest Township, Redwood County, Minnesota, to Tyler and Emma (Grannes) Sander. Eugene attended District 10 country school in Swedes Forest Township, then graduated from Belview High School in 1949. Eugene farmed until he was 21, when he was drafted into the United States Army. He was an atomic veteran stationed in Fort Sill, OK, involved with the Grabel Event at Frenchman’s Flat, NV. Eugene served in the Army Artillery from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954. On June 16, 1955, Eugene was united in marriage to Margaret Inez McCarty, and the couple moved to Belview in 1956. He worked in farm drainage and surveying for over 60 years, including many years as co-owner of Sander Brothers. He also was a county ditch inspector for 24 years. Eugene also served as a firefighter for 20 years and a member of the American Legion for over 65 years.

Eugene enjoyed spending time with family and friends. This included giving life lessons to his grandchildren, time in the valley with family, and visiting with employees after work. He played cards with friends every morning at the Cenex gas station, as well as in whist tournaments. Eugene also had a special relationship with his neighbor, Brian Danielson. Eugene had many “adopted children” who are thankful for his influence. Eugene also enjoyed genealogy and taking photos of family. He liked to hunt, both animals and agate, and the family spent lots of time on camping trips and at the lake.

Eugene died on Saturday, October 11, 2025, surrounded by his family at his residence in Belview, under the care of CentraCare Hospice. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Sander; daughters Vicky (Marvin) Kuehn of Redwood Falls, Cheri Fern of St. Cloud, Rose Jackson (Michael) of Belview, and Mary (Tim) Schwaegerl of Brookings, SD; daughter-in-law Kathy Sander of Redwood Falls; son-in-law Doug Arnold of Brandon; 16 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Robert Sander, daughter Patty Arnold, grandson Brandon Sander, great-grandson Jaden Sander, siblings Orris Sander, Alvan Sander, and Amy Werner, and in-laws Nellie Sander, LaVonne Sander, Robert Werner, and Bruce Huntemann.
The family of Eugene would like to thank his medical team for the wonderful care he received at the end of his life.

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