Kenneth Sanders, 79, of Goodridge, MN died peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2016 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND with his loving family at his side.

Funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, December 30, 2016 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church.

Kenneth James Sanders was born on July 6, 1937 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Emil and Ethel (Myrin) Sanders. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He grew up on the family farm in Cloverleaf Township, Pennington County, MN. He attended one year of school in Mavie, MN before it closed then Ken went to the Goodridge School through the 8th grade. Ken attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN graduating in 1955.

Ken returned to the Sanders Family Farm and farmed with his dad and brother, Richard. Emil died suddenly in 1960 and Richard moved in 1962 and Ken continued the farming operation of beef cattle and small grains.

On March 3, 1962, Ken was united in marriage to Ruth Johnson at the First Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN. To this union three children were born, Rhonda in 1963, Kevin in 1964 and Carna in 1970.

After selling the cattle in 1970, Ken and Ruth bought a boat and the family spent many years fishing and camping at Northwest Angle at Lake Of The Woods and later at Springsteel at Lake Of The Woods. Ken and Ruth have enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, mostly in Arizona and California. Yuma was their home from January through March for many years. Ken enjoyed bowling in the Service League and in the Farmer Merchant League, deer hunting, watching his children and grandchildren play sports, playing solitaire, reading the paper especially the funny page, watching sports on TV, and driving around looking at his crops. Ken had a passion for decorating for the Christmas holiday. He built many outdoor trees and ornaments and was most proud of his 18 foot tall Christmas cactus.

He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, Goodridge Lions Club, Eagle's Club in Thief River Falls and served on the Cloverleaf Township Board and Farmers Co-op Elevator Board.

The Sanders Family Farm became a Century Farm in 2004 of which Ken was the third generation. He was very proud to help the next generations continue the legacy of the Sanders Family Farm.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth of 54 years; children, Rhonda (Mark) Rerick of Fargo, ND, Kevin (Regina) Sanders of Goodridge, MN and Carna (David) Von Holtum of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren, Hailey (Brady Hoffman) & Issac Rerick, Landon & Christopher Sanders, Jenna & Alex Von Holtum; sister, Sandra (Gale) Packard of Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-law, Lila (Joel) Killoran of Morris, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; granddaughter, Sarah Rose Sanders and grandparents, Andrew & Sigrid Sanders and Nils & Julia Myrin.

May his memory be blessed. He lived a good life!

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com