Donald Sanda

Donald J. Sanda, age 78, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Health System Hospital on Sunday, August 29. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 4th, at 11:00, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Staples, with Pastor Steve Sveom officiating. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5-7, at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Girard Union Cemetery, near Henning.

Don was born on June 14, 1932, in Girard Township, Ottertail County, to Emil and Laura (Oak) Sanda. He grew up in the area on the family farm, and graduated from the Henning High School in 1949. Don then moved to Moorhead, MN to attend Concordia College, graduating in 1953. After completing college, Don enlisted in the US Army, serving in Okinawa, Japan. After serving in the Army, Don did his student teaching in Melrose, MN, while attending St. Cloud State University. In 1956 he graduated from St. Cloud State and took a job in Orono, MN. In December of that year, Don married Krista Gandrud, and they moved to Staples, where Don started teaching English and Speech, in 1957. Don and Kris were married for 34 years and together they raised six children. Don retired from teaching in 1991, but continued as a speech coach. Don was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and was very involved with Staples-Motley Dollars for Scholars. He was an amateur photographer, and enjoyed reading, writing, and wintering in South Texas. He loved coaching his speech students.

Don is survived by his children, John (Marcia) of Owatonna, Karin (Todd) Luebke, of Maple Grove, Steven of Ottertail, Timothy (Janet) of Apple Valley, Paul (Sonja) of Edina, and David (Susan) of Edina; grandchildren, Lauren Sanda, Samuel Sanda, Drew Sanda, George Sanda, Rebbeca Luebke, Rachel Luebke, Jack Sanda, and Beatrice Sanda; sister, Ellen Jacobson of Brooklyn Center; and former wife, Kris (Dick) Sanda Johnson. Don was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Staples-Motley Dollars for Scholars. http://www.isd2170.k12.mn.us/Dol_for_Scholars.cfm

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples.

Brenny Funeral Home
218-894-1910