Donald L. “Don” Sander, 75, of Richland, Iowa, passed away
peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the
Jefferson County Health Care Center. As were his wishes, his body has
been cremated. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be mailed to Carol Sander at P.O. Box 323, Richland,
Iowa 52585. Friends may leave online condolences at
www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Donald Lee Sander was born on April 17, 1947, in Victoria, Kansas, to Celestine and Pauline (Stang) Sander. He graduated from Victoria High School and then went on to further his education with a Bachelor’s degree from Marymount College of Business and a Graduate Degree from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. He was a rambunctious teenager that drew people in with his humor and heart. Don was married to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Carol Vonfeldt for over 56 years. Don was a man of many talents and filled his lifetime with experiences, travel, family, and adventure. He loved working part-time as a DJ for country radio and being a racecar announcer in Salina, Kansas. He served proudly in the United States Air Force from 1966 until 1970 and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. When the family moved to Iowa, Donald worked as the plant manager for Harper Brush in Fairfield, retiring in 2022. Donald cared deeply for his family. He was a loving grandfather who was adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. If you asked any of his grandchildren or great grandchildren, they would say he was the funniest man there ever was and no one could ever make a better pancake. His laugh was contagious, and he had a joke for every occasion. He could always be found watching college football or basketball (go Jayhawks!), reading, or spending time with family. His hand always had a cup of coffee and he would never pass up a donut. He would open his home to anyone who needed a home cooked meal, you never left hungry, and spent his life helping others. Don’s stories, advice, and wisdom will last a lifetime and beyond. He will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.
Left to share his story is his loving wife, Carol Sander of Richland, IA; two children, Clayton Sander of Richland, IA and Renee (Jason) Eberhart of Topeka, KS; three grandchildren, Ashley (Lane) Johnson of Keosauqua, IA, Thomas (Trisha) Armstrong of Kansas City, KS, and Corey Kindlesparger of Salina, KS, ten great grandchildren, as well as extended family and friends. He is also survived by his sister Doris Hertel of Wichita, KS.
Saying goodbye means no more smiles, no more hugs, no more moments on this side of eternity; yet the beautiful memories bring comfort from the pain.