Marilyn Sander
On September 8, 2024, Marilyn Sander, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Galesville.
Marilyn was born June 27, 1935, to Mary and William Blankenhorn on the family farm in Galesville. Her life came full circle as she returned to that beloved farm on hospice to live out her last days.
Marilyn graduated from Galesville High School and attended teacher’s college in Alma. On April 2, 1954, she married the love of her life, John Sander, at French Creek Lutheran Church, and the couple enjoyed 64 years of marriage. They resided in Ettrick, where they raised their three children. In 1986, they moved back to Marilyn’s family farm after purchasing it from her parents.
Marilyn worked beside John in their bulk fuel oil delivery and HVAC business in Ettrick for many years. They also opened and ran John’s One Stop on Highway 53. During those years, they worked with very special people who became lifelong friends. She was an active member of Living Hope Lutheran Church in Ettrick. She enjoyed socializing with friends, playing cards and dominos, baking, and cooking. Shopping also was a favorite activity for Marilyn as she loved coordinating stylish outfits and accessories. However, Marilyn’s family was most important. She never missed an opportunity to gather her family, cook and bake for them, and instill traditions that will be carried on for generations.
Marilyn was always there for her grown children and grandchildren, offering advice, a listening ear and strength. For her great-grandchildren, going to grandma’s meant receiving a warm smile, big hugs and delicious treats.
Marilyn is survived by her children: Laurie (Kurt) Nelson, Rhonda (Mike) Flaherty, and David; seven grandchildren: Andrea (Darin) Maliszewski, Kyle (Lily) Nelson, Katie (Kyle) Canar, Mackenzie Flaherty (Marcos Cecenas, fiance), Madison (Reid) Tedder, Hannah (Cassidy) Capen, and Olivia Sander. She was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Estelle and Camden Maliszewski, Max and Lucy Nelson, Rylee, Bowen and Kade Canar, Frances Capen; and was eagerly awaiting the newest arrival, baby Tedder, in December. She is also survived by her beloved cats, Buffy and Leo.
In addition to her parents; and mother and father-in-law; Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2018; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Bennett Onsrud; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Doris Blankenhorn.
Marilyn will be remembered for her boundless energy, tenacity and giving nature. She was the heart and soul of the family and will be dearly missed.
A Funeral service will be held Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at Living Hope Lutheran Church in Ettrick, with a meal to follow. Visitation will be at the church, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Online condolences may be left at www.fossumfunealhome.com.
