Richard “Dick” Sanders, age 78, of Early, IA, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, IA.  Richard Aubrey Sanders was born in the family home near Nemaha, IA, on September 29, 1938, to Aubrey Howard and Veva (Woodyard) Sanders.  He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Nemaha on May 12, 1940.  Dick attended elementary school and graduated from Delaware Consolidated Township School in Nemaha with the class of 1957.

     On August 16, 1959, Richard was united in marriage to Karleen Christiansen at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sac City.  They made their home in Early. Dick, in partnership with his dad, owned and operated Sanders Hardware. Dick took over the business when his father became ill.  He loved collecting  Maytag wringer washers, and you could count on him for parts and service. 

     As a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Dick served in various offices.  He drove school bus for over 48 years and was involved in the community serving on the Early Community Development Corporation Board and was a member of the Early Lions Club.  Dick was honored to receive the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. 

     Dick was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.  He was a proud grandpa and loved attending his grandson’s activities.  He played softball in his younger years.  Dick enjoyed playing dart ball, bowling, and playing cards with family and with his card club.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

     Survivors include his wife Karleen of Early; son Stuart Sanders and wife Jody of Nevada, IA; two grandsons: Jordan and Jacob Sanders both of Nevada; two brothers: Robert Sanders of Johnston, IA and William Sanders and wife Jennifer of Des Moines, IA; several nieces and nephews; extended family; and a host of friends.

     Dick was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Timothy Allan Sanders; parents-in-law Glen and Emma Christiansen; and sister-in-law Ruth Sanders.

     The family has designated Loring Hospital to receive memorial contributions in Dick’s memory.