John Sanders

John Sanders, 75, Bismarck, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 27, 2020. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. MST at the Dawson Memorial Cemetery, Glendive, Montana.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

John was born on Jan. 14, 1945 to Clinton and Julia (Friedlund) Sanders in Glendive, Montana. He was raised on a family farm in eastern Montana and graduated from Circle High School in 1963. Following graduation, John joined the National Guard in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1972.

He married Lana Mathison on Jan. 25, 1969. Together, they raised four sons, Shane, Eric, Marc and Aaron.

John and Lana moved to Bismarck in 1975 with a job transfer. He was employed with MDU and retired from WBI. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and traveled a lot. When John was home, he loved his family time. He spent countless hours hunting, camping and fishing with them. He enjoyed drag racing after high school, which became a passion that lasted a lifetime. He also took on the hobby of woodworking, especially projects for his grandchildren, yardwork and loved being outdoors.

John will always be remembered by his loving family, which includes his wife, Lana; sons, Shane (Shellie), Eric (Jennifer), Marc (Crystal) and Aaron (Hilary); grandchildren, Cass (Lucy), Kayla (Chas), Karly (Logan), Isaiah, Alec, Taylor, Braedan, Logan and Adelie; great-grandchildren, twins Lark and Lola, Londyn and Brexley; his sister, Ilene Klempel; and several nieces, nephews and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Marie Rosendahl and Carol Belstad.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe, PO Box 8, Bismarck, ND 58502 or by visitating www.soupcafe.org and click on “Give to the Hungry.”

To share memories of John and to sign the online guestbook, go to www.parkwayfuneral.com.