James “Jim” Michael Sander

James “Jim” Sander, 73, of Lake Park, MN, died September 18, 2022, at Sanford Health Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

James Michael Sander was born July 22, 1949, in Moorhead, MN, to Gordon and Mildred (Aune) Sander.  Jim graduated from high school in Hawley, MN in 1967 and in 1969 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He was honorably discharged in 1973.  Jim was united in marriage to Shirley Hovelsrud on September 25, 1976, at Rollag Lutheran Church.  Together they had three children: Christopher, Jessica and Michael.  Jim worked for Arland Haugen Masonry in Hawley for several years and later for Roers Construction in Fargo, ND.  The family lived in Arizona from 1986 to 1999 and while there Jim worked for Black Canyon Sweeping and also built houses.  When the family returned to Minnesota in 1999, Jim resumed his employment with Roers Construction until his retirement, shortly after Shirley passed away in 2009. After retirement, he enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and made many lasting friendships with his neighbors there.

Jim enjoyed being an active member of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. He loved working with his hands and he could build just about anything.  Jim’s family meant the world to him and he was always there to lend a helping hand to his kids or younger brother, Jerry. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his children, Christopher (Amber) Sander (their children, Hope, Faith and Levi), of Hawley, MN, Jessica Sander (her children, Cora and Ann), of Beltrami, MN, and Michael (Katie) Sander (their children, Carson and Kaden), of Lake Park, MN ; brother, Jerry (Lynne) Sander, of Hawley, MN and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley, and grandchildren, Areana and Ericka.

Visitation will be Friday, September 23, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 6:30 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley, MN.  The funeral service will be Saturday September 24, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Hawley Lutheran Church.  Interment will be at Park Lutheran Cemetery in rural Hawley.