Earl J. Sanders, 90, De Pere, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday evening November 25, 2014 at his home. He was born in De Pere on March 18, 1924 to the late Benedict and Catherine (Geurts) Sanders. Earl served his country in the U.S. Army. On October 1, 1949 he was united in marriage by Abbot Pennings to Melba Turriff. Earl was a lifelong member of St. Boniface/Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. He was a 40-year electrician in the building trades before retiring in 1987. Earl loved spending time on the water, whether it was sailing, water skiing into his 70's, or duck hunting. He volunteered with Red Cross, Meals-on-Wheels, and served his church as usher and communion distributor. His family always came first, and he greatly cherished family gatherings.
He is survived by his wife Melba, their children; Barb (Pat) Pieters, Paul (Cindy) Sanders, Debbie (Rick) Schaut, Sally Sanders, Roy Sanders, his grandchildren; Brenda (Brian) Talbott, Jackie (John) Susong, Ben Sanders, Jesse Sanders, Jason (Brenda) Schaut, Aaron (May) Schaut, Amanda (Barak) Gideon, Emily (Jorge) Barros, Tyler Schaut, Bryant (Susan) Kazik, Andy (Shannon) Kazik, Tony Kazik, and 23 great grandchildren. Earl is further survived by his two brothers; Harold Sanders, Lloyd (Bonnie) Sanders, two brothers-in-law; Ken DeCleene, and Bob Van Dyck, as well as Melba's family and numerous nieces and nephews. Earl was preceded in death by his grandson Kevin Kazik, as well as his siblings; Carl (Helen) Sanders, Lou DeCleene, Rosie Van Dyck, Joan Vander Loop, and his sisters-in- law, Carole Sanders and Becky Sanders.
Friends may call at the RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 N. Tenth Street in De Pere from 5 8pm Friday November 28, 2014 (TODAY). Visitation will continue after 9am Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1307 Lourdes Ave. in De Pere, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am with Fr. Tim Shillcox, O.Praem officiating. Full military rites will follow the Mass, with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 1pm. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. Special thanks to Heidi Browne, RN, at Heartland Hospice for all of her care and compassion.
