"Jane and I so deeply have appreciated Paul, his love of God and family, his perseverance in the face of difficulty, his love of life.Our hearts go out to Barb and kids, and all who feel his loss. Neil and Jane and kids"
In loving memory of
Paul Gordon Sanders
October 29, 1954 - May 29, 2015
Cherished and Beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, Son, Brother, and Friend, PAUL GORDON SANDERS, aged 60, went Home to be with his lifelong Savior in Heaven on Friday, May 29th, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Born October 29th, 1954 in Sheridan, Michigan to Joyce and Gordon Sanders, Paul attended several colleges, graduating from Grand Valley State University, MI with a teaching degree in 1978, marrying his best friend, Barb Lloyd Sanders on August 18th, 1979.
Paul's passion and love for children, and teaching them about God in very creative, fun ways
led him to work at Camp Barakel, Fairview, MI as a teen, and later, after teaching 4th Grade in Southfield, MI for three years, was Assistant Director at the same camp. He served as Human Resource Director for two years in the start-up of a 700 pharmacy chain store in Novi, MI, which broadened his experience in recruiting, training and coaching hundreds of volunteers over his lifetime. For over 28 years, Paul served as a much-loved Family and Children Pastor at East Lansing Trinity Church, MI, Westbrook Church, Hartland, WI, and Pleasant Valley Evangelical Free Church in Winona, MN. His work career ended with five months at ORC [Occupational Rehabilitation Center, Winona, MN] as Director of Community Relations before being re-diagnosed in November 2014 with Metastatic Colon Cancer.
An avid photographer, biker and hiker, Paul thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. Famous for recycling "curb treasures", Paul appreciated a good garage sale and trolling Craigslist, often providing bikes and more to needy families in the area. Paul was a gifted puppeteer, musician, and storyteller, having written many stories for children to illustrate Biblical principles. He volunteered at Grace Place and help to facilitate a Kid's Club with college students at Belleview Apartments in Winona, MN for two years. Paul loved people of all ages.
Preceded in death by his father, Paul is survived by his wife, Barb Sanders, Winona, MN; Children: Megan [Jordan] Prindle, Chad [Erica] Sanders, and Ryan [Jessica] Sanders , and Grandchildren:
Vivian, Max, Finley, & Norah Prindle; Caleb Sanders, and Josiah, Elias, & Molly Sanders; Mother, Joyce Sanders and Sisters, Jackie [Gary] Sinclair, and MaraLee [Rick] Olson and their families.
Paul's Memorial Service will be held at 11am, Saturday, June 6th, 2015 at Pleasant Valley Evangelical Free Church, with Pastor Joe McConkey officiating. A future Memorial Service will be held at Westbrook Church in Hartland, WI with Pastor Amy Thompson officiating.
The family requests that any memorials honoring Paul's life be given to Prison Fellowship to support, the children of prisoners by sending them to summer camp, giving hope and joy! [Angel Tree Kids, Summer Camp: Prison Fellowship, P O Box 1550, Merrifield, VA 22116-1550 or prisonfellowship.org/jubilee or call 877-478-0100]
Tributes
"Our hearts grieve with all the family - and yet - to know that Paul is out of his suffering body & with Jesus is sooo comforting ! Be sure to know we are praying for you all during these difficult days & months !!Much Love - A. Barb & U.Herm"
"We have many fond memories of Paul from his years of service at Westbrook Church. He was truly a warm and loving person who lifted up everyone around him. We send our love and sympathies to Barb and the entire Sanders family.Andy, Angie, Amy & Molly Teske"
"Attend Pleasant Valley Church and so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Deepest sympathy and God's blessings."
"So very sorry to hear this. Always really enjoyed Paul and his quirky sense of humor. I remember him saying that his favorite people group stood about 4 feet tall. He loved kids and truly had a heart for them. Condolences to family."
"Dear Barb and Family,Our family was shocked and saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was such a wonderful part of our kids childhood memories growing up at Trinity church. Our kids still talk of him leading the song "Jumbo Means Hello" during DVBS with Michelle at the keyboard. We're praying you feels God arms of love enfolding you at this time. Most Sincerely, Jerry, Cheryl, Eric, Kyle and Heidi Parr"