Don Hans Sandnas

Don Hans Sandnas

November 02, 1945 – May 02, 2024 Age 78

Don was born to Hans Sandnas and Jennie (Jarvi) Sandnas, and lived his life in Sandy Township. He met the love of his life, Kathy, at Pike School 14 in the 3rd grade, reconnected with her later, dated for 3 years, and graduated from Embarrass High School in 1964. He worked at Pittsburgh Pacific Mining Co, and married Kathy in 1966. He decided to be self-employed, got a skidder, a logging truck, sub-contractors, and operated as Don Sandnas Logging Inc. He cut private wood, and worked for years on Cleveland Cliffs Mining land. He delivered logs to Paper mills, and provided firewood for many local people. Since he knew trees are a renewal resource, he implemented planting many trees. He was a member and participated in yearly education from the MTPA (MN Timber Producer Association). He enjoyed bowling on Country Crossroads Team, snowmobiling, singing, and dancing with Kathy. His children were active in music, and his grandchildren were active in music and sports, so the family loved to be together to support them. Thus a lot of time was happily spent on benches.

Don and Kathy have three awesome children, and enjoy three foreign exchange students in their forever family. Keeping family glued together and supportive of each other with frequent time together was an important goal.

Don had no doubt that he was a sinner. He heard the gospel, and at the age of 31 accepted Christ as his Personal Savior. The more he learned about God’s Word, the more he wanted to be used. Almost every opportunity he got, he shared the Gospel message.

Don put on lots of miles traveling with his guitar to entertain, comfort, and share verses with friends. His brother, Dale, and later more family & friends joined in and brought music and verses to local nursing homes, assisted living, and church.

The verse he got saved on was John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but HAVE everlasting life.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the Gospel. Christ died on the cross, took care of all man’s sin past, present, and future and rose from the dead. He said “It is finished.”

Acts 16:31 “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved.”

Ephesians 2:8 & 9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the of GIFT of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

I John 5: 11-13 “And this is the record, that God hath GIVEN to us Eternal Life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

Ephesians 1:13 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.”

So now Don would be sure to ask, “Do you know where you will spend eternity? How will you answer that question?

Don is survived by his wife, Kathy of almost 58 years; his children: Richard Don Sandnas, Maria (Tim) Hannuksela, Julie (Trent) Ioerger; and his twin grandchildren, Hunter and Hannah Hannuksela.

His Bonus children are Jenny (Corey) Runia of Idaho USA, Martijn Hoek of Holland, Jakub (Maggie) Dostal of Czech Republic, and Biljana (Stanko) Cerin of Croatia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Kathy’s parents, John (Mary Wozniak) Bukovac; brother, Robert James Sandnas; brother-in-law, Michael Bukovac; and sister-in-law, Wendy (Burrows) Sandnas.

Surviving are his siblings: Barbara (Ken) Kallio, Bonnie (Kevin) Lynch, Dale Sandnas, Gail (Bill) Paun, Kevin (Kathy Ollila) Sandnas, and Peter (Ann) Sandnas. He is also survived by many special cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Don survived lung cancer, and later fought a courageous battle with stage IV esophageal cancer. We give a heartfelt thank you to the East Range Hospice team who gave him great comfort and care. The encouragement and prayers of our faith family kept Don and family going.

Don always said “You gotta die before you get to heaven.” He passed away at home from the loving arms of his family to the loving arms of His Savior in Heaven.

Don will be missed. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3.

A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Heritage Trail Bible Church in McKinley, MN with Pastor Gus Layman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Lunch will be provided afterward. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Virginia, MN on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. for family and friends.