Steven John Sander, 61, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2020, at home near Sturgis, SD, peacefully with family by his side.

Steve was born on June 10, 1958, to Alfred and Dorothy (Bemmels) Sander at Glencoe, MN. Steve graduated from high school in Fairfax, MN, and joined the Air Force in June 1976. After being stationed in Spain, Steve was honorably discharged from service in December 1978.

In 1986, Steve moved to Spearfish, SD, to work and attend college at Black Hills State University studying history.

After leaving college Steve worked construction in Las Vegas and Phoenix for a few years and then returned to Sturgis with his friend, Judy Simon. Steve has since worked with Kurtz Construction for nearly 30 years. During his time with Kurtz Construction, Steve received many awards for craftsmanship, but his favorite job would always be tying rebar. Having built many buildings, water towers, and other large projects, Steve touched the lives of many and always took great pride in his work.

Steve took great joy in nature. He knew the names of all the plants, trees, and birds, and loved sharing those with his adopted grandchildren. He also loved fishing, collecting firearms and shooting them, and teaching firearms safety. Steve took extra special joy in his grandchildren and dogs.

Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother, Alfred Sander.

Grateful for having shared his life are his special friend and partner, Judy Simon of Sturgis; adopted daughter, DeLynn (Bryan) Hanson, and her children, Chase and Timber, of Fort Pierre, SD; sisters, Jean Hansen, Pat (Lon) Johnson, and Mary (Jim) Jacobs, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial with the Meade County 4-H Youth Shooters in his memory.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, February 17, 2020 at the VFW Club in Sturgis.  Military honors will be provided by the Sturgis Volunteer Honor Guard.