Wesley Sander

   Find a Grave ID: 23073956.

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Obituary. Wesley "Wes" Sander, 76, of Chetek and formerly of Baldwin, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, at the Baldwin Area Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Wes was born on June 12, 1931, in Platteville, the son of John and Minnie (Rottiger) Sander. He was raised in Platteville, where he attended Woodchuck Grade School prior to graduating from Platteville High School. He joined the Wisconsin National Guard (1949-1959) and served in the 25th Division for the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. He then worked for a local implement dealer as well as farmed with his brother, Dale. From 1955 to 1959, he studied conservation at UW-Platteville. He received on-the-job training at Stevens Point and La Crosse, and graduated with a degree in conservation.

On Dec. 27, 1958, he was united in marriage to Joyce Freymiller at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Fennimore. This union would be blessed with five children. Over the years, he worked in La Crosse, Lancaster, and Phillips. Due to his work ethic, in 1965 he was promoted to district conservationist, and in 1969 began working in the St. Croix County Conservation office located in Baldwin. He truly enjoyed working with his colleagues and local farmers, and where he met many new friends. He would continue this post until his retirement in 1986.

Baldwin would continue to be their home until 2002, when they moved to the lake in Chetek. Whether work or play, Wes greatly appreciated and respected God's given beauty of the outdoors and nature. This attribute was passed on to his children, either teaching them how to fish at a local little pond or hunting for deer, grouse, and turkey. Some of his memorable excursions included salmon fishing in Marinette County, walleye fishing in Canada, and seeking a big Tom turkey and a trophy buck with his family in nearby woods. He also thoroughly enjoyed camping, canoeing, and tapping maple trees in the early spring. As a retired couple, Wes and Joyce traveled to such places as the Panama Canal, Alaska, Catalina Islands, Canada, and all over the United States, spending winters in Arizona.

Wes took great pleasure working with his scroll saw, making nativity scenes, ornaments, and other crafts for his kids and grandkids. He had an ear for music and the moves to a good polka or waltz. He was a member of AARP, NARFE (National Organization of Retired Federal Employees), Disabled Veterans of America, as well as a dedicated member of their faith community where he served as a Sunday School teacher and on the church council.

Wes will remain in the hearts of his wife, Joyce; two daughters, Elaine (Mike) Gonering of Marshfield, and Kathy (Robert) Pankratz of Mosinee; two sons, David (Wendy) Sander of Woodville, and James (Mary) Sander of Baldwin; and one son-in-law, John Waltz of Fennimore. Wes also adored his grandchildren Keri and Heidi Gonering, John (Sarah), Michael, and Ashley Waltz, Colton Sander, Logan, Hunter, and Ramsey Pankratz. His death will be further mourned by one brother, Dale (Betty) Sander; one sister, Ruth Linzy; three brothers-in-law, Reggie Buchanan, Larry (Sharlene) Schultz and Nordell (Caroline) Freymiller; one sister-in-law, Beverly Jean Porter; mother-in-law, Francis Freymiller; as well as many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
Wes joins his parents, John and Minnie (Rottiger) Sander; one daughter, Wanda Jo Waltz; one brother, Orlan (Carol) Sander; one sister, Arlene Buchanan; father-in-law, Walter Freymiller; as well as niece, Angela Schultz, and nephew, Danny Schultz, in the heavens above.

A Celebration of Life for Wes Sander was held Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin, with Pastors Paul Lovestrand and Guy Redfield officiating. Special music was sung by Mike Gonering and Sarah Waltz. Burial with full military honors was provided by the Woodville American Legion Post in the Sunset Cemetery in Woodville, with active casketbearers being Steve Sander, Dean Porter, Darren Schultz, Gary Sander, Adam Freymiller, and Larry Sander.

The O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin helped the family with arrangements. Memorials are preferred.

Wesley married Joyce Freymiller.