Robert L. Sannes

Robert Lee Sannes, born on November 8, 1940, in Park River, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on December 29th. He married his beloved bride, Cindy, on May 15, 1965, and often referred to as "the best thing that ever happened to him". She rarely left his side during his days in and out of hospitals and his stay in a physical rehabilitation facility. A man of unwavering integrity and compassion, Robert's legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.

Robert grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, graduating from St. James High School. Immediately after high school, he joined the Navy and was stationed in Turkey for three years, serving his country with pride. Upon returning, he began a distinguished career at the Grand Forks Herald before moving to the Rochester Post Bulletin, where he worked for 35 years until his retirement in 2005.

A true sports enthusiast, Robert played softball well into his later years and dedicated countless hours coaching Little League football and baseball. He never missed a game as he passionately supported his sons' athletic endeavors and continued to be a loyal fan of his grandchildren, cheering them on in all their sports activities.

Robert was also an avid golfer, having started a golf league in Byron, Minnesota. Even after moving from Byron, he maintained his love for golf, continuing to bring together fellow golfers in Hadley. Fishing was another passion of his; he began fishing as a young boy and continued to do so for as long as his health allowed. He even organized a memorable fishing trip to Alaska for his friends and kept a fishing diary to document his adventures.

A dedicated member of his community, Robert ushered at First Presbyterian Church in Rochester for numerous years and served on the board at Gramercy Senior Living Center. He was one of the founders of the Byron Sportsmen Club and held the position of past president of the Northwest Mechanical Newspaper Association in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Robert Lee Sannes will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments but for the warmth and love he brought to those around him. His spirit lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy; sons, Scott (Lizabeth) of Northfield, and Kevin (Shelly) of Pepin, WI; 6 grandchildren, Whitney (Jared) Docken, Hunter (Mikayla) Sannes, Westin Sannes, Carley Sannes, Claire Sannes and Easton Sannes; 3 great grandchildren, Boden Docken, Dani Docken and Cal Sannes; and brother, Marvin (Cathy) of Fort Collins, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to express special thanks to the Methodist Hospital 7-4 Palliative Care staff and to Music Therapist, Briana, for their support during Robert's stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 512 3rd Street SW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 4-6pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sannes family. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.