Roger H Sanders

Utica, Roger Henry Sanders, 84, of rural Utica died Monday, July 16, 2012 at his home. Roger was born May 24, 1928 in Winona to Rex and Alda (Whetstone) Sanders. He lived with his family near Wilson until moving to Stockton at the age of four. In 1940 they moved to the 'Home Farm' west of Utica. Roger attended Stockton Country School and Viol Country School on Highway 14 near Utica, where he graduated from the 8th grade. Following school he worked with his parents on the farm. In the fall of 1947 Roger went to Sarles, ND to help his cousin Clayborn and Doris Sanders harvest wheat. Roger and Betty Schaale were married June 10, 1949 at the Lewiston Church of the Brethren. Farming was Roger's way of life. With Betty at his side they farmed the land and ran their dairy set up at 'Sanders Corner', east of Utica. 'Sanders Corner' was where Roger would pull people out that would unintentionally visit their field after missing the sharp corner. The missed corners would usually occur after the electric fence went up for the cattle to graze the pasture. Roger and Betty took trips with their five children to Yellowstone for trout opening. They also enjoyed fishing the Mississippi near Bass Camp and in the back waters with family and friends. He loved playing 500 with family and friends. They enjoyed many winters in Kissimmee, Florida; leaving after fall harvest and returning before spring planting began. Roger enjoyed his Florida neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed his neighborhood visits, keeping an eye on the local crops and talking farming. Most of all Roger enjoyed getting together with family. He was a member of the Lewiston Church of the Brethren and a 40 year member of AA. Survivors include his wife Betty, three children; Shari Sojka of Utica, Carolyn (Richard) Clemens of Dover and Thomas Sanders of Utica, a daughter-in-law Joleen Sanders of Utica, son-in-law Mark (Stephie) Halbakken of Rochester, 10 grandchildren; Brian Sanders, Dorie Hernandez, Matthew Swallow, Christine Peck, Patrick Halbakken, Crystal and Matthew Clemens, Elizabeth, Kassie and Isabella Sanders, 7 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Stephie, Howard, Hogan, Haas, Cole and Bradon, a sister Fern (Gene) Ihrke of Altura and a brother Floyd (Judy) Sanders of St. Charles. He was preceded in death by his parents Rex and Alda Sanders, a daughter Luann Halbakken, a son Steve, a grandson Brad Sanders and a brother Dick Sanders. Funeral Services will be 11AM Monday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles with the Reverends Gordon Hoffert and Sue Bollinger of the Lewiston Church of the Brethren officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Sunday and 10 - 11 AM Monday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. Please share a memory of Roger at his on-line guestbook and view his Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/321007