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Published February 29, 2012, 12:00 AM

Donald Sanns, 85

Donald Raymond Sanns, 85, Osakis, passed away early on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Grand Village Nursing Home in Grand Rapids.

Donald Raymond Sanns, 85, Osakis, passed away early on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Grand Village Nursing Home in Grand Rapids.

On February 26, 1926, in Barron County, Wisconsin, Don was born to Raymond W. and Nora (Merchant) Sanns. He moved to Minnesota as a child to the St. James area. In 1943 Donald was called to serve his country during WWII. He was a coxswain, V-6 in the Navy. After his honorable discharge, he returned to St. James.

He was an electrical lineman for the city of St. James. On November 2, 1968 he married Adair Morrow-Blom in St. James. They moved to Worthington. Donald worked for Worthington Public Utilities until his retirement in 1988. Upon his retirement, they moved to Osakis. He loved to fish and did so year round. In the summertime, he also kept busy working in his garden. He loved to share the surplus produce with his family, friends and neighbors.

Don was a member of the Osakis Sportsman’s Club and a lifetime member of the VFW.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Adair; stepdaughter, Mary Canfield, stepson, Thomas Morrow; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Morrow; great-grandchildren, Trevor Wilde, Cody and Brett Siem; brother, Griff Sanns and sisters, Opal Larson and Lorraine Wraalstad.

Don is survived by his children, Dennis Sanns of California, Dorothy (Gerald) Christiansen of Ormsby, James Sanns of Sleepy Eye; stepchildren, Jerry (Lynn) Morrow of Zumbrota, Esther (Douglas) Savage of Bovey, William (Deb) Blom of Winona, Brad Blom of Pengilly; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Lois (Ron) Engel of St James; brother, Chuck Sanns of St. James; many nieces and nephews; and special friend and fishing buddy for more than 50 years, Paul Wilson of Texas.

Arrangements are with Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis; www.royhetland.com.

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Pat J.
Osakis, MN     03/03/2012 7:16 AM

Want to offer Don's family our sympathy. I did some fishing with Don on Osakis and surrounding lakes. Sometimes we sat for hours without talking, kind of surprised me at first, but guess that is why he caught so many fish. Always enjoyed Don and Sarge's company thru the years and want them both to rest in peace. Paul and Pat Johnson, Osakis

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