Richard "Rick" Sanders

Dates

Obituary

Rick Sanders, 59, of Mitchell, tragically passed away at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, surrounded by close family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Visitation will be from 1-3:00 PM Saturday at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

From his birth in Madelia, MN, on February 14, 1959, to the end of his life, Rick brought an abundance of laughter, memories, and a love of life to everyone lucky enough to know him.

Rick was raised on a farm in Truman, MN, where he developed a passion for agriculture and a real love for the land. He graduated from Truman High School in 1977 and went on to receive a degree in Agriculture Business from Pipestone Technical College in 1987. His childhood on the farm and education eventually led Rick to a life in Mitchell, SD, and a rewarding career in Sales at C+B Operations (formerly Noteboom Implement).

Rick was a gifted storyteller and an unofficial historian, fueled by his exceptional memory and his deep love for family and friends. He loved living life outdoors—pheasant hunting with his dog and constant companion Zelda, fishing, and golfing—and especially enjoyed sharing those moments with the cherished people in his life. Rick was a proud and devoted grandfather who spent many happy hours playing trucks and tractors with his grandkids, cheering them on during sporting events, and teaching them to hunt and love adventures and the outdoors. Rick deeply loved, and was loved by, the people he shared his life with.

He is survived by three children, Levi (Sara) Sanders of Brandon, SD, Crystal (Alan) Nutt of Monticello, MN, and Ethan Sanders of St. Paul, MN; five grandchildren, Owen, Peyton, Aiden, Elise, and Sanders; three sisters, Nancy (Jerry) Firchau of Denton, TX, Barbara Sanders of Indianola, IA, and Laurie (Steve) Holman of Sauk Centre, MN; and numerous devoted nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Opal Sanders; grandparents, Ed and Hulda Sanders, and Olivia and Dale Simpson; and other loved ones. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Mitchell Chapter of Pheasant Forever.