Thomas George Sanders

UTICAThomas George Sanders, 49 of Utica, died surrounded by family on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at his home after a 3-year battle with esophageal cancer.Tom was born July 29, 1964 in Rochester to Roger and Betty (Schaale) Sanders. He was raised on a farm in Utica (Sanders' Corner) and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1982. Tom studied Auto Mechanics at Southeast Technical College in Winona and worked in the auto department at K-Mart. On August 5, 1986, he began his service with the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Carolina before going to Panama with the 87th Infantry. He later worked as a Well Driller for Thein in Rochester for over 20 years. Farming was close to Tom's heart, and he raised three daughters on his grandparents' farm in Utica.There was never a dull moment with Tom. He was a prankster with a great sense of humor, even recently while he was battling cancer. He always saw the good in people and was always willing to help others. A true outdoorsman, Tom enjoyed fishing, 4-wheeling, and deer hunting. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. He will be missed by many.He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Brad Vrieze) Sanders, Isabella Sanders, and Kassandra Sanders, all of Utica; sisters, Shari Sojka of Utica and Carolyn (Richard) Clemens of Dover; mother, Betty Sanders of Utica; nieces and nephews, Christine (Howard) Stewart, Crystal (Joe Nienow) Clemens, Matthew (Allison Jones) Clemens, Patrick (Amy Kromer) Halbakken, and Brian (Teresa) Sanders; great-nephews, Howie, Hogan, and Hoss Stewart, Hunter Halbakken, and Cole and Braden Sanders; sister-in-law, Jo Sanders; and brother-in-law, Mark Halbakken. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Roger Sanders; sister, LuAnn Halbakken; brother, Steve Sanders; nephew, Bradley Sanders; and brother-in-law, Rick Peck.Visitation will be held 4-8pm, Monday, July 7, 2014 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service in St. Charles and also one hour prior to the service. Funeral service will be 11am on Tuesday at the funeral home with Reverend Gordon Hoffert officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in St. Charles with full military honors. Please share a memory of Tom with his family and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/506010